Many of us struggle to open up because of fear that others will look down on us. No one likes to expose their weaknesses because it makes us feel vulnerable. But are we also refusing to open up to God? People may use our weaknesses against us, but God never will. Open up to God.

As a mature Christian, I knew how I was supposed to respond.

I was deeply hurt by the words someone spoke to me. I knew I shouldn’t let their words hurt me, but they did.

I didn’t show my hurtful feelings to the person and honestly, I was trying not to think about their painful words so that I wouldn’t have any bitterness towards this person.

While I tried my best to suppress the feelings, I also didn’t even bother to bring them up to God.

Why? Because I knew as a Christian, we shouldn’t get easily hurt or offended. I thought to myself, “Why bother God with this, I know what he’s going to say anyway.”

Shortly after saying that, tears started running down my face. As much as I didn’t want to admit I was in pain, I was in pain.

But it was in that moment when God opened my eyes to see that I’m human, and I’m not God. God never expected me to go through life perfectly without any emotions. He knows I’m not perfect, but that’s why I have a perfect God to lean on.

We are not perfect but we do have a perfect God to lean on. 

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” The reality is we aren’t strong enough, but that’s ok because God is strong enough. If we could go through life perfectly strong, then why would we need God?

God never asked us to do things in our own strength but in His strength. He never expected us to go through life without needing his help and comfort. God wants us to come to him with our brokenness.

Psalm 62:8 says, “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” God wants to be your place of refuge. A refuge is a place of shelter and comfort from trouble. God wants to be the place where you find comfort from the troubles this world may bring. There’s no better place to find healing and peace than going to God.

Where are you running to in the midst of trouble and pain? Are you allowing God to be your place of refuge and strength?

When we are faced with anxiety, anger, or hurt, we either run to something or we try to suppress the feelings by not bringing them up. We may think that forgetting our pain will do us no harm, but it actually will.

Suppressing our pains is like taking painkillers when we should be taking medicine. Painkillers will temporarily numb the pain, but it will never completely heal the pain. The pain will soon come to pass and in a larger capacity.

When we suppress our emotions, it will only get worse in time. Hiding our pains will not heal us, but bringing them to Jesus will. Bring your worries and hurts to Jesus and He will heal your pain and fill you with his peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Once I opened up my emotions to God, he comforted me with his words. His presence brought peace to my heart that was beyond my comprehension. I couldn’t understand how the pain went all away, but it did. Jesus brings a perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.

Will you open up your heart to God and allow him to speak life over your situation?

God can’t fix what you don’t give him. He can only heal those who are willing to come to him with their brokenness. Confess your struggles and weaknesses to God, because it’s only then that he can transform and strengthen you.

It’s ok to have weaknesses because it’s then that we can see God’s strength displayed in the midst of our shortcomings. God reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” So remember, open up to God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I can come to you with my weaknesses and leave strengthened.