Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- September 15, 2013
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.
1 Corinthians 12:26-27
Sometimes our spouses experience hurt. It may be for a moment, for months, or in some chronic situations they may hurt over years. Hurt can come from a variety of sources. Busy parents who lacked love can lead to childhood hurt, disappointments deposit hurt, lack of control contributes to hurt, shattered dreams hurt, and health issues exacerbated hurt. Hurt may linger on the surface of your spouse’s heart, or it may have inflicted deep wounds into the soul—a soul that desperately needs God’s healing hand. Sadly, the scars of hurt can disfigure his or her countenance. So be aware because your insensitivity can compound the hurt, or your sensitivity can cure the hurt. Hurt hurts.
When your spouse hurts, you hurt. You may hurt because of the empathy you feel for her pain, or you may hurt because of the pain he has knowingly or unknowingly imposed on you. Hurt cannot be ignored as it will expose itself mildly in public and wildly in private. Hurt will not go away unless there is healing. Your tender touch brings healing. Your extra patience eases the pain. Your kind words are an ointment that soothes anxiety. Your gracious attitude is a legion of love ready to recapture your spouse’s heart. Don’t give up reaching out to your hurting husband or wife. Yes, it’s inconvenient, and your goals may be on hold for now. You are in survival mode. Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap God’s blessings (Galatians 6:9).
If you are the one who is hurting, go to your heavenly Father for healing. Let Him love you through this. Lay down your burden before it crushes your spirit. You cannot bear this burden by yourself or fix this alone. Your loving Lord wants to lead you into forgiveness and freedom. Release your regrets and disappointments to Him, and let go of your need for control. Demands for control are the fruit of fear. Remember that Jesus can be trusted during this time of turmoil.
Don’t buy into a false feeling of freedom that comes from pushing back. Instead, open up and let the Lord and your lover into your heart. Healing is the outcome from applying the outrageous love and forgiveness of God. Indeed, you may be in a mid-life reflection. You are tempted to walk away from your family, friends, and faith, but it is a long and lonely walk that only enflames the pain.
Take your Savior’s advice, and experience His healing for you and your spouse. Jesus said to go to Him for rest in your weariness, and for wholeness for your heart. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Taken from the September 14th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” volume 1… http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Thank you so much for sharing this specific article. I was truly speaking to me.
I have been crying and praying, when I woke up The Lord directed me straight to this email and I had to read it twice!
It was on time! The Lord used it along with the scripture you shared to speak volumes into my spirt for renewed strength.
Thank you so much and may God continue to bless you and give strength to do His work.
In Him,
T.Johnson
You could not have sent this devotion at a better time. After getting up early this morning and while walking the dog, my conversation to God was in desperation. Desperation of all that has happened over the years and admitting I’m in despair; simply no longer knowing what to do, but hurting. Hurting so deeply from the inside out. After reading this devotion, it comforted me, it comforted me knowing it must be speaking to many others if such a devotion was written. This devotion is beautifully written, quotes beautiful scripture, and is a beautiful reminder and guide.
With sincere thanks and gratitude,
Jackie
The is perfect….at the perfect time…thank you!
i really needed to read this today thank you for your healing words praise be to God
Thank you for this devotional it came at a perfect time. After three weeks of exasperation, peace has fallen upon our lives once more
Should the suggestions in this devotional still be followed if a spouse has left?
This devotional was given in great timing but I still have lots of questions.
Have been hurting for years… husband, in-laws, step-children and two (2) ex-wives at every family gathering. Most assuredly… I have felt of no consequence and taken for granted. This will not help my situation, but it does help my broken and injured heart. Thank you!