Have you ever had a moment or season in life that was just awful? You know what I’m saying? A season that totally knocked you down, and you thought you just might be out for a while?
Maybe you lost a loved one. Maybe there was a breakup that just shattered you to your core. Maybe there was something that just caused you to physically hurt because of emotional pain. Regardless of what it was, all you knew in that moment was THIS. HURTS!!
When your heart is hurt or you’ve been damaged by another person many times, the last thing you want is someone telling you something to try to help. But many times this is exactly what we need.
Here are three things you should NOT stop doing or being a part of when you’re hurt.
1. Don’t stop praying. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:16-18).
Prayer changes things in our lives. This is the last thing that we DON’T need to stop doing. Jesus brings freedom. Jesus brings redemption. Why would you want to stop talking to the ONE person who could change everything? That’s just plain nuts. Pray always!
2. Don’t stop reading your Bible. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).
God’s word is so powerful. It has the answers you need. Don’t think for one second that ignoring the Bible will help your situation. It won’t. Actually if you ignore God’s word, it will end up hurting you in the long run. Keep reading and immersing yourself in God’s word! It will bring you to life!
3. Don’t stop going to church. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).
Community is so important! Being around people who love Jesus and share the mission of Christ will only help in the long run. This is the place where you NEED to be when you’re hurting. This is where we gather to come along side each other and bring each other encouragement and love.
A little side note, dear church folks, we need to make people feel welcome. I mean don’t just invite. Make them feel like they are actually welcome in your church! If they show up, make a big deal about them being there! Why? Because Jesus makes a big deal about you and them too, so we should be making a big deal about each other! Love each other well!
These are just some starters, but if you’re hurting today, don’t give up! Keep pressing into what Jesus is calling you into. Keep getting up.
Keep looking to Jesus as the author and perfecter of your life!