2020 Daily Devotion - Day 55

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Through the years of standing with people through times of crisis, I’ve found there are many people who swallow their pain. They try to appear to others as if they have it all together. They try to put forth an image of strength.

But the truth is we are humans. We are not machines who never feel. We have actually been created by God to have feelings and emotions. When expressed, they are like a pressure release valve which opens to let off a little steam. So, when we hurt and are burdened, and we bury our feelings and never talk to anyone – we are not being strong, but rather, we are being weak. The end result is we run the risk of allowing all of the strain and stress to build up until we explode. 

We are meant to have people in our lives who can listen to us and we can listen to them. These people must be what I call “safe people”.  By this, I mean people who will allow others to have their feelings; without trying to tell them they shouldn’t feel a certain way, or talk them out of their feelings in some other way. “Safe people” are the ones who will simply listen without trying to help you fix the problem. They simply listen and care. If you need a “safe person” right now, be sure to reach out to us at the church office, or reach out to others who you know will listen in these ways. 

The truth is, this is a very biblical approach to dealing with stress and pain - by simply talking to someone.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, You have created us with feelings and emotions. You did not give them to us so that we would hold them inside, but rather, to express our pain and find some release. Help us to share what is on our hearts with others who are “safe” so we can find greater peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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