Every Household Has Its Hidden Pain

Did you ever look at some families and think: Wow, they really have it together! They are closely knit and so zealous in their faith. Is it really what it looks like? I think if we could peel back the outside layers of every household, we would find some kind of pain or trouble inside.

This has been heavy on my heart since I went to a writing conference this past week. There are people out there who need us. People who are hurting. Some speak up about it and others don't. And that's why I need to write, not just to people who are visibly needing the comfort, but also to those who creep along behind the scenes. People who are afraid of being judged. People who think their thoughts don't count. People who are smiling on the outside but crying on the inside.

Are you one of those people? Do you feel insignificant and alone? Please know that God cares. He cares about every secret tear you shed, every hidden hurt you carry, every unbearable burden you bear.

Here are some nuggets of truth I hope will encourage you today:

• Do you feel burdened? "My soul is weary of sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word." Psalm 119:28
• Jesus invites us - "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28
• God is powerful and always keeps His promises. He has promised - "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." Deut. 33:27a

There is pain everywhere, some of it revealed, but so much of it hidden behind the scenes. Whoever you are and wherever you live, you matter to God. Whatever pain you're holding inside, whether it's about someone in your family or personal burdens you alone know within yourself, God longs for you to unburden it to Him. Though He doesn't promise there won't be pain in this world, He does promise He will be with you through it.

God already knows your pain, but have you ever talked with Him about it?

What pain will you unburden to God today?