December 4 • Holding Onto Hurt

There are benefits to holding onto the hurt others have caused us. We can justify our bad intentions and wallow in self-pity. But clinging to our pain only makes the wound worse. Take a step back from yourself and ask why you’re doing this. What are you gaining from living in this place, other than unnecessary bitterness and despair? Ask yourself this: Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.  [Psalm 42:5]

 We are not meant to live in hurt, but hope. Feeling like we’re drowning is part of learning to swim. But that doesn’t mean we should keep our souls submerged till they ache. We are made to move and breathe. It isn’t worth trading your peace and your purpose for an excuse to act however you want. 

 Take responsibility for your soul. Question what is going on in your heart. Find where you are relying on past pains to justify your current situation. Our souls need to abide somewhere. And we have an invitation for real peace and a holy place: abide in me, and I will abide in you. [John 15:4] Abide with Jesus and not excuses. Peace and wholeness can be ours if we are willing to let go of our hurt and restlessness. 

 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? [Psalm 42:1-2] Your faith is more than your feelings. Your soul is more than your sadness. Do the difficult work today and refuse to miss out on the good things that are coming.