I just read the editors blog on "Today's Christian Womans" website. The blog was touching as it addressed a hurting friend going through the betrayal of divorce. The friend in the blog rehashed and slashed through old wounds, repeatedly bringing up old pains and reliving them over and over again. Why does this touch my heart? Because I've been there. Though I haven't been divorced and I don't know that particular pain, I have suffered hurts and betrayals. I know what's its like to rehash old hurts and pick the scabs off those old wounds. I know what it's like to relive that pain, only to hurt all over again. Loved ones and friends have also suffered through hurt, pain, and betrayal at one time or another.
My heart goes out to everyone who struggles with hurt and self pity. This year has been a very emotionally difficult year. Not only was I hurting, but at the same time, so were some of my friends and family. It was hard. As I blogged earlier today, I was reminded of the Greatest Commandment...To LOVE God and LOVE people. Somehow, that brought me to attention spiritually, reminding me it's not just about me. I was also reminded of 1 Thess. 5:11 ...to encourage one another and build each other up. When we get outside of our own skin, totally yielding to the Holy Spirit, and view others with love, somehow that helps us deal with our hurts.
Leaning on Him is the best medicine. Praying for those who wronged or hurt us is also important for healing. We can tell God our pains and hurts. He will listen. He wants to help. "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8 God knows what we are suffering. He loves us that much! He also promises to take care of us, "Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22 I had a friend who visualized throwing the person and problems that hurt her over a fence - God was on the other side of the fence. Allowing self pity and hurt to dominate our lives can hinder our relationship with God. We have to let it go. If someone wronged you, then forgiveness is also an important step in your own healing. Forgive that person just as Christ have forgiven you. It may be hard, but God can give you the strength to do so.
If you are a friend of someone who is suffering from a painful incident or self pity, praying for them is best thing you can do. Trust God to reveal opportunities to help them in healthy ways.
In His Love, Cathy
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