Are you hurting today?
Are you hurting today? There are so many I know who are right now. Families broken by divorce. A family left grieving the loss of their sister who was allegedly killed by her abusive husband. A mother who would be caring for her newborn daughter but instead grieves that her due date just passed and her arms are empty. Another mom who isn’t planning a 4th birthday party for her little Reese next week because Reese is in Heaven. A widow who just passed the three year anniversary of her husband’s loss. A daughter who lost her mother to cancer. A family who never stops missing their little boy.
But for all the ones I know who are hurting today, I’m sure there are many others who have hidden hurts. Infertility. Abuse. Rejection. Financial difficulties. Loneliness. Chronic illness. Depression. Marital problems. Fear.
I wonder how many times the people around me are hurting inside, and I have no idea of their pain. Why is it so hard to admit our hurts? Why do we try to cover up the pain and smile and pretend?
Because of the hurt I have faced, I have become more aware of others who are hurting, but I know many times I do not realize when someone is hurting. When we see others hurting it often leaves us wondering why. Tragedies and loss often don’t make sense to our human minds. We all face hurts and heartaches as we journey through this life. It is important to remember that we are never promised that the road we travel as Christians will be easy but through the suffering we can grow in our relationship with God.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
Undoubtedly you will meet someone today who is hurting. You may have no knowledge of their pain or secrets. Help them carry their pain. I encourage you to offer an encouraging word, smile, or prayer for those you come in contact with today. Pray that you will be sensitive to the hurt they are facing. You never know how your tiny act of kindness will lift their spirits. Also, if you do know someone who is hurting, take a moment to reach out to them and let them know they are remembered today and that you care about them as they are hurting.
Lord, I pray for those who are hurting today. Place someone in their path to remind them that they are deeply loved by YOU and that you care about them. Bring comfort and healing to the hurt of their hearts. Help us all to pay attention and look for ways to be a comfort to the ones who are hurting around us. In Jesus’ name I pray these things.
Are you hurting today? How can I pray for you today?
Have a day of blessings!
I join you Bethany in praying for the hurting. Having gone through my own pain causes me to be more sensitive to others. You have a wonderful gift of reaching out to others as I have been a recipient. May you continue to write from your heart. And may you be comforted in your own loss as you comfort others and the Lord comforts you.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Adding my prayers with yours.
There is so much hurting in the world, We all need to make more of an effort to recognize the pain around us and reach out to those who need our compassion.
Excellent post Bethany. I know that hurt and pain in my life has made me a very compassionate person. My heart feels good when I can make someone feel better by listening to their heart and giving them comfort with my words.
There are so many hurting. I know family and friends that are hurting. I learned through my pain I am like you said, more aware of others pain. Thank you for reminding us to be sensitive to others. I love reading your devotions.
I really try to be sensitive to the people God places in my daily paths. And sometimes God places different people in my mind, so I pray for them.