WHEN FEELINGS HURT

I'm sensitive.

 

It's a strength and a weakness...always has been.

 

This sensitivity that God has blessed and cursed me with must find it's foundation firmly fixed upon Him alone,
never dependent upon man, otherwise it has the potential to sink into idolatry which can lead to weeds of resentment.

This sensitivity that FEELS deeply, empathetically what other people feel must come to grips
with the fact that not everyone else is going to feel as deeply or as empathetically.

Expectations...they're a set up. But, when our every expectation is found in Christ Jesus, we will NEVER be disappointed. Human relationships will fail us repeatedly. Sadly, they just will. But Jesus, who is perfect in steadfast love, always kind, always faithful...

He will NEVER fail us.

He is ALWAYS all we need.

"For he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”
Hebrews 13:5

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19

When a sensitive heart hurts, it has options...wallow, crumble, rear up, flare up, or cast every detail upon the Lord.
The last is the best, of course, but readily we're tempted to react to hurt feelings
out of human frailty in ways that neglect what we've been commanded.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:6-7

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Matthew 5:44

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Is there a relationship or scenario that has recently hurt your feelings?

Is there a past pain, years, maybe decades old that chokes of bitterness in your heart?

Consider the freedom of releasing the weight of hurt feelings, casting every care upon the One who cares most, living in the liberty of forgiveness and companionship in Jesus. He's the best Friend, the most loyal Confidant, the only One worthy of our expectations and praise. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you because He loves you with perfect love.

"A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."
Proverbs 18:24

I'm reminded today to keep my eyes, heart, and expectations firmly fixed upon Christ alone, knowing that He's jealous for my affections, knowing that He's commanded me to cast my burdens upon Him in dependency,
confident that my relationship with Him is trustworthy.

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock."
Isaiah 26:3-4

"Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
Proverbs 30:5

I'm aware today that no human relationship can fill the space in my heart intended for my Savior. In fact, the voids, the pains, the sorrows...they're the very catalysts He employs to draw me into His presence with childlike faith.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea."
Psalm 46:1-2

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Romans 5:3-5

I'm grateful today to be communing with the One who never leaves me or forsakes me, the only One who will never ever let me down. I'm filled with thanksgiving that I have a compassionate Father God who loves me enough to let me cry sometimes, who forgives me and teaches me how to forgive, who cares enough to draw me into His presence. He is the great Potter and I am the clay. By His grace may I remain malleable and submissive to His handiwork through my heart's trials, confident that He uses every detail of my life for good and for His glory.

^"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,
for those who are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28

I love the Lord, my refuge, my strength in weakness more with each passing day, more through every struggle. He meets me where I am, loves me for me, and binds my heart with mercy and love... especially when feelings hurt.

"I love you, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock,
in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. 
From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name."
Psalm 18:1-2, 6, 19, 30, 40

I love this song, Good To Me, and this unknown musician sings it beautifully...sing it out with me today!! :)