From Doy Moyer

Everyone has issues. Everyone has unexpressed pain. Everyone has a story.

I know that it is good to talk about what bothers us to those whom we know will listen and care. We need to be able to unload a bit. We need those who will listen with a mind toward bearing one another’s burdens. And we need to be willing to listen as well.

I also know that it is easy to fall into a trap of thinking that no one else understands what I am going through. I am alone in my pain. Think Elijah.

What I need to remind myself of is that everyone has issues they are dealing with. I may be in emotional, spiritual, or physical pain, but so also might be the one to whom I try to vent. Is it possible that in my own expressions of pain that I am saying something that could trigger pain in another?

I don’t know everyone’s story. Very few know mine. Let us be mindful that others may be suffering silently, too, and that we ought to be careful about how we vent our own emotions. This includes how we vent our personal pain on social media. I’m not saying there is no outlet for it. I am saying that we need to be careful because we won’t know how we might be affecting others.

Beyond all that, let us remember that Jesus does know and understand.

“For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” (Heb 2:18). “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb 4:15-16).

We need Jesus.

Doy Moyer

FACEBOOK, Sept. 30, 2021