Letting Love In: How God Crushes Your Inner Critic Sample

The Lie of Pain

At a Celebrate Recovery class, which is a Christ-centered, 12-Step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind, I heard someone say, “The avoidance of feeling pain is what leads to all compulsive behavior.”

Yikes, I knew that was true.

Who wants to feel pain? No one! But in John 16:33 it is recorded that we will all experience trials and tribulations. 

They will come in various packages for all of us, but the truth is pain seems unavoidable in this broken world. So we must learn to process it. 

If we don’t choose to engage in the grieving process (even in the smallest losses of life) and give that pain over to Jesus, we will be avoiding pain. And we will eventually find an unhealthy way to cope.

For me, an unhealthy way to cope with my fear of rejection, abandonment and abuse from men was by masking it. I would pretend the pain wasn’t there by numbing it with vodka after vodka after vodka. 

I became so cautious around men that I couldn’t function. The fear that led my life in this area was crippling. 

I feared rejection so much that for decades, I believed it was my protector. I was obviously very deceived. But Fear pretended to be my friend; it said it would protect me. 

Your pain could be similar to mine or quite different, whatever it is, Jesus knows. He knows the depth of the pain, those around may not understand, but Jesus does. He may be the only One and that is why learning to process that pain with Him will be the most helpful. It may also be wise in your situation to bring another person in, a friend yes somethings, but a professional is usually always a good step. Let Jesus lead you, even in these decisions.  He will if you invite Him in. 

Let's do that now.

Jesus, I don't even know the first step of processing this pain, but you do. So show me, lead me, do it in me and for me, I will obey, but I need your leading in this. Thank you that you are so real and you truly do care about every single thing in my life. Lead me to the truth about this pain, lead me to You in this. I need Your help. 

In Your name I pray!