We carry junk around in lives. I call it rocks—like carrying heavy rocks in our backpacks. Stuff we don’t need. Stuff that weighs us down – hurts or grief as we travel through life. The things that hold us back from doing what we want to do—what God might want us to do. Keeps us from being free. Just imagine a woman bent over because of the burden she carries. That’s us sometimes.
So how do we get rid of the rocks?
First, we have to admit they exist, don’t pretend we have no heartaches or burdens. And don’t, I repeat, don’t act like we can handle it on our own, because sometimes we can’t. It keeps reoccurring. Pay attention to what exactly causes the pain. Is it when someone calls me “stupid?” Or when I you feel overlooked, rejected, put down? When, exactly, does that negative emotion spring up?
Second, we must take those hurtful feelings out of the dusty, dark backpack and examine them. I know, I know. It’s hard to do. We’d rather keep them buried. But determine why you hurt, what beliefs are associated with the feelings. Put a specific name to that feeling. Not just “I’m hurt” but “I feel . . .” And then you might ask yourself questions like – When did I first start feeling this way? Have I felt this way before?
And third, we ask Jesus for help to see the anxious thoughts and get rid of the rocks. Actually, be willing to hand them over to Him. Ask for truth about our feelings. Only when we see our lives from God’s point of view can we exchange the hurt for things like peace or kindness or forgiveness.
You wouldn’t believe the difference! Our journey can be so much easier without that big pack of boulders on our back!
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Psalm 139:23