“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!” Psalm 32:1 Ever taken the time to get to know a stranger and discover things you would not have guessed would be part of their story? Every person has a story, and if we take the time to listen we can meet some very interesting people. But human beings are complex with layers upon layers of information that is shared in filtered degrees of transparency. For the most part we’re happy when people around us do not complicate matters with their weaknesses. For example, when we ask people, “How are you?” Do we really expect them to say anything other than, “Fine! How are you?” Witnessing the fall out from a poor decision, someone’s embarrassing moment or being privy to a private confession makes most people uncomfortable at best. We’re forced to react with an adequate response or we struggle to decide what we’re suppose to do with the information. Perhaps we’re reminded of our own frailties, which in turn, leaves us with no response. God knows the inner, most hidden parts we do not share with people, as well as the struggles and pain of the story that shaped how we define ourselves when no one is looking. He knows the code by which we live despite the image we show the public. He is privy to every chapter in the book of our lives that has been completed thus far. and He alone knows all the intimate details we deliberately hide. His Fatherly heart is aware of the survival skills we have acquired and why we acquired them. Only God has the courage to look, listen, and understand. The Word says there is no shadow in His turning. Therefore, He will never turn away. His adequate response is one of power to bring about profound, everlasting change. He has the ability to heal and restore our brokenness. The only way we can truly have an influence in someone’s life is to invest in them. The world’s influence is no match for someone who has invested time and love in another person. When we’ve made the investment of time, love and genuine concern, others will know our hearts and will be open to our insight no matter how difficult the subject. We invest with time, words, actions, and by example to let people know we care. God leads us in that same way every day, but His most powerful investment in us was the selfless act of pouring out every drop of blood from His one and only Son, Jesus so that we might choose to accept His love and enter into relationship with Him. Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE! These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, that is my heart, NOT my profession. This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take what you discover and hold it up to the Light to evaluate it against who God says you are.
- Is there a part of you that you do not share with anyone?
- Why do you hide this part of you?
- Is what you’ve chosen to hide causing you pain, confusion, guilt, or shame?
- Do you have someone who has invested in you? If you do, would you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts about this with that person?
- Don’t be hesitant to talk directly to Jesus. Open His word, read the wisdom on the pages, ask Him questions and listen for a reply. For me, He often comes gentle and tender but He always comes with His love.
- If you do not have someone you trust, consider seeking professional help such as a counselor, pastor, or therapist. There are other options, such as local mentoring programs. Keep looking until you find someone who can help you get outside of your own head/thoughts, allowing you to see things differently or find a solution and peace.
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word. Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU! God says this about His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“The Lord will command His loving kidness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8
When you read this Scripture, say to yourself out loud: The Lord God pours his unfailing love upon me. I will sing His songs through the night. He is the One who gives me life. Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
