🇺🇸 Post-Election Blues? Before You Give Up: A Message of Hope and Healing
Happy Thursday Reader, I know many of you are feeling disappointed and disheartened by the election results. In times like these, it’s easy to feel lost or to question what’s next. I want to remind you that our hope has never rested in any one person or political system. Our hope is in God, whose love and purpose remain unshaken, no matter the circumstances. Be Aware of Spiritual BypassingHealing isn’t just saying, “God’s got it.” Spiritual bypassing occurs when we use spiritual phrases to avoid dealing with painful emotions. It often feels comforting but prevents proper healing. Sometimes, we hide behind words like “God is good all the time” to quickly cover up our pain, thinking it’s enough. But real healing requires more. Ignoring our emotions doesn’t bring peace—it only temporarily covers the wound. Spiritual bypassing is like putting a band-aid on a deep wound, pretending the pain isn’t there. It might feel safer to say, “God’s in control,” rather than admit we’re struggling. True healing begins with honesty. When we ignore or deny our pain, we miss out on the deep work God wants to do in our hearts. Healing is a process. It means acknowledging what hurts and allowing God to work in those vulnerable spaces. Admitting pain isn’t a weakness; it’s a brave step toward growth. God honors that courage.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. —Psalm 34:18 (NLT)
Avoid Using Faith as an EscapeSometimes, we use faith to sidestep real healing. We might think, “If I believe in God, I shouldn’t feel this way.” But ignoring our pain doesn’t make it go away; it only buries it deeper. Phrases like “God has a plan” or “I’ll just pray about it” can mask pain. This avoidance doesn’t make us stronger; it keeps us from the genuine healing God desires for us. God wants us to bring our whole selves to Him—not just the parts we feel comfortable with but also the messy and scared parts. Only when we do this can we truly experience His healing power.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. —Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
God doesn’t promise that we won’t walk through dark valleys, but He does promise to be with us. Faith is about knowing we aren’t alone when we face those valleys. Often, it’s in the darkest moments that God transforms us the most. Jesus Shows Us a Better WayJesus didn’t bypass His emotions. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He felt deep sorrow and openly expressed it. In Matthew 26:38, Jesus said,
“My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death.”
He named His pain without fear. Jesus’ example shows us that feeling pain doesn’t mean we lack faith. It means we are human, and God meets us in that humanity. Jesus didn’t rush His process or dismiss His pain. Instead, He brought it fully to God, showing that faith and feelings coexist. He also leaned on His disciples, asking them to pray with Him. Though they failed, it reminds us we need others in our struggles. Vulnerability is an act of faith and trust. Moving Past Spiritual Bypassing1. Acknowledge Your Pain HonestlyName your emotions rather than using quick phrases to brush over how you feel. Healing begins with admitting your hurt. Sometimes, we need others to be part of our healing journey. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; God created us for community, and there is strength in sharing our burdens with trusted people. Action Step: Spend a few minutes each day naming and sharing your feelings with God. For more clarity, consider writing your emotions in a journal. 2. Practice Presence Instead of Pushing PastFaith isn’t about ignoring pain but facing it with God’s strength. Trust that God is present with you through difficult emotions. Being present with your feelings is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for healing. God isn’t asking you to fix everything immediately—invite Him into your pain. Action Step: When emotions arise, feel and process them. To stay grounded, engage in activities like walking in nature, deep breathing, or meditating on scripture. 3. Seek Help and SupportHealing is not a solo act. God often uses the community to help us heal. Admitting we need help is an act of faith—trusting that God places people in our lives for a reason. Action Step: Find someone you can talk to openly—a trusted friend, mentor, or counselor. Consider joining a support or church group to share and find strength in collective healing.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)
God cares deeply about your struggles. Trust that He is big enough to handle them and wants to bear your burdens. Closing Thoughts: Real Healing Begins with OpennessHealing isn’t about denying pain but inviting God into it. Spiritual bypassing may provide temporary comfort, but only honesty with God will bring lasting peace. God desires to meet us in our deepest hurt if we allow Him access. Let’s remember Jesus allowed space for sorrow. God’s love is big enough to hold our pain and faith together.
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. —Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
God promises to bind our wounds—not just cover them, but heal them completely. This week, commit to embracing your emotions rather than covering them up. Write down any feelings you’ve been avoiding and bring them to God in prayer. Share with someone you trust—vulnerability brings freedom and inspires others to do the same. Together, let’s seek true healing. Special Invitation: Before You Give UpJoin me on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central for a special message titled “Before You Give Up.” We’ll explore what it means to face our pain head-on rather than avoiding it. Together, we’ll explore how God meets us in those moments when we feel most like giving up and how He provides strength when ours feels depleted. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience real encouragement and hope. Here’s to your success, Clarence E. Stowers, Jr. |