There is one truth that every human being agree with: pain is part of life. No one is immune from it. What I see in the scriptures, however, is not at all like the western Christian culture that we’re so acquainted with. The notion of hurt, pain, depression, or anger, discontentment and wariness is treated as carnal and thus we shove it down and shut it out. This makes for an unhealthy, emotionally wrecked believers, especially in the relationship we want to build with God and other people. In the scriptures though I see people express their pain, hopelessness, depression, hurt, abuse, disappointment in honest conversations to God. I wonder how many of the psalms that we cling to were birthed in the wilderness, while king David was hard pressed and literally struggling to live.

pain is part of life. No one is immune from it

So then what if, instead of saying “I am doing well” while covering up our deep hurt and struggle, we, willing and submissively, choose to became vulnerable with God, first and fore most. King David wrote that “O LORD, you have searched me…. You understand my thought afar off…are acquainted with all my ways.” (psalms 139:2). If God is well acquainted with us, then we should have no problem being real with him.

I mean it a simple prayer of “O my God, my soul is cast down within me”. Be open with God just like talking to a faithful friend. This is what the psalmist said, “I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out all my sorrow before him; I tell him all my trouble”. Psalms142:1-2 That is an authentic vulnerability with God. God on his part embraces such kind of contrite and humble heart. Psalms 51

But don’t stop there continue on reading the scriptures because there is hope for your broken heart and pain. This is God’s promise for each of us: “He (THE LORD) heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds”. Psalms147:3 In light of our emotional ups and downs the scripture assures us that “all things work together for the good of those that love God and are called according to his purpose”.

Believing His good plans for your pain and through your pain, we should learn that it’s okay not to have it all together all the time. The best way is to trust God and desperately fall on his throne in time of our dire need and desperation. I just find it interesting that God knows all our desperations, short comings, struggles and weakness. Psalms139 Yet He chooses to love us, carry our burdens and walk with us every step. He is God with us and God in us the hope of glory. So I want to encourage you, and myself, to have hope in God continually. To be real in prayer and to receive healing for our emotional baggage. And above all “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

By Saron Biniam