Getting Hurt

Have you ever been hurt by someone? Not just physically, but emotionally? Relationally? Sure, we all have.

I find it interesting though that many of us simply want to deal with the hurt ourselves, in our own ways. We do all sorts of things, don't we? We ignore it. We run from it. We hide it. We worry about it. We resent it.

The Psalmist knows something about hurt. Check out some of these passages.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. Psalm 32:3

I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who know my way. Psalm 142:2-3

I think our most natural reaction is to run. It certainly makes sense to remove yourself from an uncomfortable situation or environment. But that's really not always the answer. Removing yourself physically doesn't always erase the hurt nor does it help you grow from the circumstances.

Instead, spend time with God in the midst of the hurt. He's the only one who can heal you - you won't heal yourself. Before doing anything, ask yourself a couple of questions:

"Will this pain change me for the better?"

"Will I find God here?"

This weekend at City on a Hill Church, we're continuing a series on God's Antidote to Stress based on Psalm 23. We'll specifically look at Breaking the Stronghold of Hurt by discussing God's plan for healing.