We all avoid pain when we can, but ignorance is not bliss. Eventually suffering catches up with us no matter how hard we try to ignore it. Our flights from sorrow only rob us of hope and bring more grief.
When we experience physical aches and pains we often try to just walk it off. If we pretend it’s not a problem maybe it will just go away.
And this is possible with many minor wounds. Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal themselves with enough time and rest.
However, some injuries cannot be ignored. There’s no walking off a broken leg, for example. Broken bones must be intentionally set straight to heal properly.
This plays out in our inner world as well.
Some wounds and offenses we can quickly shrug off, while others need more direct attention for true healing.
And more than the passing of time is needed to heal the deep wounds of our soul.
For instance, childhood wounds, major betrayals, or traumatic losses are not wounds we can simply walk off.
And if we don’t enter into our sorrow, years later we remain discouraged, frustrated, and lonely.
Ignoring or running from our wounds does not bring healing.
In fact, Jesus teaches that those who mourn are blessed for they will be comforted.
It seems the way to deep comfort and healing is through mourning – through entering into our places of sorrow.
Our flights from sorrow rob us of this hope and leave us in our pain.
Don’t run from the suffering, grief, and sorrow of your life.
Enter in.
But not as one who despairs – as one who trusts God brings comfort and healing through our mourning.
Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash
