Friday Fight 122: The Silent Struggle

Every Friday, when I wake and pray, God places something on my heart to help me fight darkness beginning in our minds. Today is FF122.

How often do we walk by people at work, church, or in passing whose faces tell their stories? One person looks angry, one bothered, or yay, one looks happy. With varying expressions, our faces can reveal all or be a mask covering something deep. We may walk by someone barely holding it together, but their smile remains. Then there are others whose body language immediately leaves us questioning their state of mind. Should we ask people to share their hearts or accept their silence, and what does that look like?

The Silent Struggle:

We would probably all agree that many people hide their pain, some attempt to do so unsuccessfully, while others display a "woe is me" posture, and sadly, it is the only face revealed. Then, there are the others we never question because their look reveals nothing is wrong, and they may appear happy, but it does not mean they are free from pain. They often are the ones struggling the most.

Many of us put things into perspective, pray, then proceed with our day, never indicating our battle to stay spiritually whole. Instead, we embrace the day with a silent struggle inside our minds. Yes, we are good at maintaining our Christian composure, but sometimes we must remove the mask. Keeping our hurts hidden to avoid embarrassment or shame often seems more straightforward. Hence, the blanket statement, "I'm fine" rolls off our tongues. But at times, we aren't okay, and neither is the person walking past. It may not be the time or place to have an emotional conversation, but rather than pretending we are fine, let's communicate a plan to talk and pray later. Carrying every burden alone does not indicate strength; it only adds weight to the burdens being carried.

God calls us to walk in community with others. 1 John 1:7 says that if we walk in the light, as he is the light, we have fellowship with one another. Christ is the light, and walking with Him will always lead us to restoration. Keeping pain and sin hidden inside can also strain our fellowship with God, hindering us from walking in the light. Admitting our sins and lifting our pain in prayer removes the heaviness of the burden while reinforcing fellowship with others. The more isolated we are in our misery, the more that misery is confirmed. Hiding things may be what we have grown accustomed to, but it does more harm than good, particularly to our spiritual lives.

Sharing with others allows the lies to be combated with the truth of another person's words. We all have faults, sins, and regrets, but we give those to God when we repent. The transformation of healing is only attainable through the mercy and sacrifice of Christ. But healing is only possible if we open up and allow it. God may be using us to share our struggle to encourage others to leave their mask at home. Living in community and loving God will break the bonds that prevent us from being free. Let's give our silent struggles to God and others so we are not suffering alone and bask in the light of His love and joy.

Pastor Shannon

New Life Calvert