Hurts are a part of life. We cannot go through this world untouched by pain, heartache, and sorrow. We cannot escape the suffering of a wounded heart. But there are two paths we can choose in dealing with our hurts; we can choose the path that leads us to bitterness and anger, leaving us paralyzed in a vicious cycle of sadness, despair, and resentment; or we can choose the path of forgiveness and rest, which leads us to a place of beauty, healing and perseverance, teaching us the virtue of longsuffering. I will be the first to admit that swimming around in circles in the ocean of our pain feels more natural, easier, even, than swimming "to the Rock that is higher than I" whom will rescue us from the storm. It feels natural and easier because the destroyer of souls does his best to convince us that anger is a natural effect of pain, an outlet we are given to deal with our hurts. But these are mere feelings, and feelings do not equal truth. Feelings often and can easily lead us astray, which is why it is of the utmost importance that our eyes are Fixed On JESUS, the author and finisher of our faith, full of grace and truth.
Hurts will come, but as they come and when they resurface, it is in the choice of laying them down at the precious feet of Jesus that we will find comfort, healing, and protection from their power to endanger our heart and spirit. Jesus awaits the confession and handing over of those things which bring pain to our hearts. He awaits with deep compassion and comforting arms.
"I, even I, am He that comforteth you" (Isaiah 51:12)
I've sure leaned on God's comfort many times. I don't know what people do without His "deep compassion and comforting arms."
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