3 Helpful Things You Can Do If You Are Hurting
Are you hurting today? If so, here are three things you can do to help.
Last evening, a dear friend called and told me that she had fainted while in the bathroom a couple of days ago. When she regained consciousness, she found a front tooth lodged in her lip and two more on the lip of the porcelain toilet.
Suffering from an episode of diverticulitis, she had awakened in the early hours of the morning and felt sick. The last thing she remembered before finding herself on the floor with a painful, bloody mouth was leaning over the toilet, struggling with dry heaves.
While I’ve not ever fainted or lost any teeth, I’ve experienced plenty of pain — both physical and emotional.
We all do. Sadly, it’s part of life.
So, if you’re hurting today, first, I’ll tell you what I told my friend, “I’m so sorry!” It doesn’t matter that I don’t know you. My heart goes out to you.
And so do my prayers. Yes, I’m praying for you. Wherever you are in the world, as you read this post, KNOW that someone in Texas is asking God to heal you.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3 NIV)
In addition to my prayers, I want to share with you three things I’ve learned to do when I’m hurting. None of them are magic bullets. But they always help and bring me comfort.
One — Pray
Even if you have little to no faith or the pain is so unbearable that you can hardly speak, lift your voice, and call out to God.
Haven’t spoken to Him in years? Don’t have a clue what to say? Not even sure He’s up there?
It doesn’t matter. And King James English is not required. Forget trying to craft an eloquent, religious-sounding request. It’s unnecessary.
Simply say, “God, please help me!”
Trust in Him at all times, O people. Pour out your heart before Him. God is a safe place for us. (Psalm 62:8 NLV)
Two — Listen to Music
Music ministers to my soul. It’s incredibly effective at lifting my emotions and helping me to get my mind on something other than the pain and discouragement.
Sometimes, I put on worship music. Other times, I watch a YouTube video. Here’s one of my favorites:
Three — Phone a Friend
Yes, in this world of texts and social media, pick up your phone and call a friend! Why? Because you need to hear someone’s voice (other than Carrie Underwood or whoever you were listening to in #2)!
We were made for human connections — good connections with people who love us.
Don’t want to talk about your situation? Then don’t. Call and ask how they’re doing.
Often, the best medicine is to get beyond yourself. Lift someone else, and you almost always get lifted, too!
If you would like me to pray for you, then please respond with whatever details you’d like to share. And if you need a little more encouragement, then check out the following:
