Fessing Up

“Leave me alone and let me die; my life has no meaning.” 

                                                                                                               Job 7:16 CEV

If you've ever been depressed, then you have said words like these. They express exasperation, anger, and bitterness. Roots that burrow deep into the human psyche, whether directed at another human, or against God. They wear a person down to the core and if not taken care of, they can even cause death - self inflicted or otherwise.  Some are angry with things that have happened in the past. Yet, we never admit it - in fact we deny it. Some are angry with circumstances of life, events, emotions, disappointments, frustrations and much more. Many, instead of facing these and dealing with them, will try to drown them with alcohol, drugs, outlandish behavior, some even becoming controlling, brutal, even abusive.  

The start of any healing in life is revealing the hurt. You have to acknowledge what is going on and face up to it. That's the first step. There are triggers everywhere that just keep the memory alive and the past keeps popping back up because it hasn't been dealt with. Instead of burying the past, close the door on it so you can move on to the present. Where you've been doesn’t matter as much as the direction you’re going today. You need to close the door on the past, but there is no closure without disclosure. You can't close that door until you’ve faced your hurt and shared it with somebody.

The starting point is have a heart to heart with God.  “God, I’m still upset. I'm angry that this happened!” 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

1Jn 1:9

God's will not fry any repentant person with a thunderbolt if you confess what is going on. He already knows how you feel. Start the healing process by admitting it. What is it in your life that you're pretending not to know? What hurt are you pretending is not there? What conflict in your family are you pretending isn't true?

Confess faults to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous one avails much. 

Jas 5:16

Perhaps one of the most recognized instances of someone having a heart to heart with God is Job.  So what did God do when he heard Job’s cries? Do you think he was surprised? Of course not! God knew Job was upset from the moment he got upset. He just wanted Job to admit it, to get it off his chest. Once he did, Job then said...

I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;  therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes." 

Job 42:5,6 

Jim