"Handling emotional Pain", No More Bruises (Checklist for LIfe)

A voice from heaven said, "God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away". Revelation 21:4 NKJV

Pain is an immobilizer. When you're in pain, regular life activities are often put on hold. This makes perfect sense, especially if what you're are experiencing is significant physical pain. Imagine, for instance trying to life heavy objects at your job when you're suffering from debilitating back spasms. There are very good reasons to alter your life schedule when you're in pain. But what about emotional pain?

When someone hurts you emotionally, the injury may not be obvious to others, but the results often are. As with physical pain, emotional pain can also immobilize you. It can bruise you to the point where regular routines become difficult or even impossible. Yet you still need to function in life. How can you deal with that pain?

First, go ahead and feel the hurt, even though it's uncomfortable. Though it may be necessary for decorum's sake to your response hidden for a time, always process your pain. Go to a close friend and ask permission to talk about it. Speak with a pastor or a counselor if the situation warrants. Just don't suppress your feelings for too long or they'll turn to bitterness or, worse they'll immobilize you even more than they already have.

Next, do a little time travel. Look ahead to the time when the pain will be only a distant memory. Then look even further, to a time when pain will no longer be a part of life: to the promise of heaven.

In description of heaven, the author of the book of Revelation paints a beautiful picture of God wiping away all you tears and then removing the possibility of pain. This promise offers comfort in two ways. First, it points to the fact that God is aware of the reality of pain in this life and that He recognizes and cares about your pain. Knowing this can give you confidence to approach God through prayer when you're hurting. Second the promise gives hope that pain won't always be in human equation. Though this may offer less immediate comfort, it can help you see that God is ultimately on your side.

Finally, talk to God about your pain. Spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom in dealing with the pain. Ask for strength to continue doing life as your work through the hurt. God will be there for you.