TELL GOD WHERE IT HURTS…
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23
Commonly, hurt is associated with some type of injury or pain. According to Psychology Today, the components of pain are both emotional and physical. Primarily, the term “hurt” is linked to bodily injury or pain, those things that are visible to the eyes. When the question “Are you hurt?” is asked, it is intended to determine whether an individual has sustained bodily harm. I propose that, rarely, or if ever, the intention is to find out the psychological or mental state of a person. If someone is seeking to know one’s mental health, the majority of the time, the question asked is “Are you okay?” Or “How do you feel?” I propose that if the question, “Are you hurt?” is asked with reference to one’s mental health, the response will be different from the usual questions. In relation to our mental health, addressing this question leads us to a deeper consideration of our current state of being.
In psychology circles, a trigger is known as an intense, emotional reaction to a present behavior that reminds you of something painful from your past. These reactions can be manifested in various ways. Often linked to childhood, triggers can masquerade as everyday occurrences and impact how a person reacts in the present day. Moreover, open wounds that need to heal often serve as a cover for emotional triggers. An unresolved offense is a prime example of an open wound. It is the experience of being hurt that drives many to seek healing. In essence, we want healing because of the hurt we can no longer bear. Unfortunately, many fall into the false illusion that they will never be hurt. Therefore, the needed healing is never sought, and the wound transmutes into an unexplainable irritation. Unexplainable irritations can hinder our ability to move forward because of their unknown origin. Likely, we just brush it off rather than face it head-on. Not only are we marred by its presence, but those in close proximity are as well.
Even if the origin of hurt is unknown, we must endeavor to take care of our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). The lack of knowledge regarding the origin of hurt does not forfeit the pain experienced by the heart. We must never ignore our pains but question their existence. When we choose to ignore our psychological hurts, we make room for them to fester in our hearts. Over time, and sometimes immediately, the unattended hurt unfavorably affects our decisions and behaviors. We can diligently guard our hearts by being honest with ourselves and reaching out to God to heal our hurts. God awaits to lead us in the necessary steps to bring about healing in every area of our lives. Do you currently have a secret hurt, whether the source is known or unknown? Why not make up your mind in this very moment to take it to God in prayer?
Guard your heart from all except open it to the Great Physician who is able to order your steps toward healing and victory.”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 