HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE HIDDEN HURTS?

The law of gravity says that what goes up will come down. The law of the human heart says that what’s inside will come out: “Keep your heart with all diligence for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

However hard we try to forget past hurts, dismiss our disappointments or cover up sadness, hidden hurts will come out one way or another. Young’s Literal Translation shines more light on the same verse: “Above every charge, keep thy heart, for out of it are the outgoings.”

Many office desks have in-trays and out-trays. The in-tray is for incoming mail and the out-tray is for your outgoing letters and papers. Our hearts are like our in-tray and our out-tray in one. What is hidden inside will always find its way out.

THE SYMPTOMS

Just as a doctor examines symptoms to diagnose diseases, so we can discover the true condition of our hearts by considering our reactions and habits. Do you feel defensive when people point out your shortcomings? Do you seek the approval of peers or leaders? Are you very private? Is it important that others know your title or position? Do you ever feel insecure, do you worry what people think? Do you think others are better than you? Are you competitive? Do you need reassurance?

All of these are symptoms which show that there are hidden hurts that need healing. And all of these issues hamper our lives and hold us back. For example, if you are a bit insecure, it will have an impact on the way you behave and relate to others. You might try to hide the fact that you think the people around you are smarter or better than you but it will affect much of what you do and say.

If you were wounded by someone you trusted or betrayed by people you believed in, it will probably affect your ability to trust others. Unresolved issues inevitably influence the very way we live our lives. Romans 8:14 says that as sons of God, we are supposed to be led by the Spirit of God. However, if we have unhealed hurts, we will make decisions dictated by past pain rather than the Spirit’s leading.

MY ISSUES

I contended with lots of issues before God started me on my healing journey. Insecurity made me seek affirmation and respect, worry about people’s opinions made me anxious when I disappointed those I respected. I never felt like I was quite enough. I constantly wanted recognition or reassurance. I was often trying to impress.

All of that was exhausting, but I didn’t even know I was doing it. I thought I was successful but in truth I was insecure. I was apparently flourishing in ministry and in my secular work. However, hidden hurts were holding me back and affecting my relationships – especially with my nearest and dearest who felt the brunt of my buried pain. Life was an uphill struggle, until my healing journey begun.

HIS LIGHT

God longs for you and and me to face the truth (Psalm 51:6). He doesn’t want us to ignore any inner issues. The Lord wants us to acknowledge our symptoms and then ask Him to reveal and heal our underlying problems. He wants us to humbly recognise our need for healing.

Proverbs 20:27 says that the Lord shines His light into the inner depths of our hearts. He will reveal buried pain and heal us anywhere we hurt. He will then fill us afresh with His love. The way we know we are on our way is that great security and assurance grows on the inside. We become comfortable and confidant without anyone’s approval or encouragement.

If you want to fulfil your highest purpose, you need to be free from all inner hindrances. Ask God to dig deep in your heart and do a new work within you. Make sure you stay on your healing journey. Our books will help you on your way and come to Healed for Life (and keep coming). God will shine His light into your heart. He will reveal buried pain and heal you in the most amazing way. You will leave feeling free and light, and with a closer relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Florida Healed for Life is Oct 18-19. UK Healed for Life is Oct 24-25 and MD Healed for Life is November 15-16. I would love to see you or your loved ones there! Please share this blog to help us help as many others as possible. You can forward the email or share on social media. Thank you!