Don't Go It Alone

          Life in this fallen world filled with broken and sinful people is hard. Some carry the burden of rejection that may have begun with their human family. Harsh criticism from those who should have been affirming and supportive leads to self-doubt and self-rejection. Our doubts and mistakes produce loneliness. We turn to others, and they nearly always disappoint us because our expectations are not reasonable or wise or because those we try to cling to have issues and failings of their own. In our own pain, we lash out against others, even as they lash out at us. Sin causes hurt, and hurt leads to anger, and anger to hatred and more hurt. Those we think we love fail to love us in return although the reality of love is often confused and misunderstood. Too often love is expressed selfishly, and two or more selfish people want more than they are willing to give. Innocent or guilty–and often both, we end up bearing grief, loss, pain, self-doubt, self-blame, anger, hatred, and disappointment.

As a pastor and counselor, I have tried to help those struggling, and I often feel the weight of problems that I cannot solve. Don’t misunderstand, God has answered my prayers for wisdom and blessed me beyond my inadequate faith. It just that I KNOW that ultimately he has the answers, that he IS the answer, if only we will turn to him. Forgiveness, healing, comfort, and peace—that and more are there only for the asking. Usually it’s not an instant transformation, although it can be. It is more like a growth process, a metamorphosis.

So, I appeal to you who are burdened. Here is Jesus’ own invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

I am praying for several who are deeply burdened with grief, guilt, broken relationships, and their own failures or perceived failures. Their pain breaks my heart. I learned some time ago that I can’t fix anyone but myself, and even then only with God’s help. Psalm 34:8 offers another invitation, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” My prayer for you, whomever you may be, know or unknown to me, is you will be blessed as you find refuge in our God, our heavenly Father, our loving Savior, who gave his very life to make this all possible.  Please, taste and see, HE IS GOOD!