Title: Why Am I Hurting Like This?

 

Title: Why Am I Hurting Like This?

Scripture: Psalm 34:18

There are moments in life when the pain catches us by surprise.

You thought you were over it.

You thought enough time had passed.

You thought you had moved on.

Yet somehow, a conversation, a memory, a song, or a situation brings the hurt right back to the surface.

And suddenly you're asking yourself:

"Why am I still hurting like this?"

It's a question many people ask but few are willing to admit.

Sometimes we believe that because we love God, we shouldn't struggle with pain.

We think faith should eliminate every wound.

We think prayer should instantly erase every hurt.

But healing doesn't usually work that way.

Psalm 34:18 says,

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Notice what David did not say.

He didn't say God only comes to those who have everything together.

He didn't say God only helps those who are strong.

He said God draws near to the brokenhearted.

That means your pain doesn't push God away.

It actually invites His presence closer.

Many people spend years trying to hide their pain.

They smile while hurting.

They serve while hurting.

They encourage others while hurting.

They pretend everything is fine because they don't want anyone to know what they're carrying.

But healing begins when honesty begins.

You cannot heal from what you refuse to acknowledge.

You cannot surrender wounds you pretend don't exist.

Sometimes the first step in healing is simply saying:

"I'm hurt."

"I'm disappointed."

"I'm grieving."

"I didn't expect this to happen."

And that's okay.

Throughout Scripture, we see men and women who experienced pain.

David experienced betrayal.

Joseph experienced rejection.

Naomi experienced loss.

Jeremiah experienced heartbreak.

Even Jesus experienced sorrow.

Pain is not proof that God has abandoned you.

Pain is proof that you're human.

The good news is that God knows how to heal what life has wounded.

But before healing can fully begin, we must stop running from the pain and start bringing it to God.

Not hiding it.

Not denying it.

Not pretending it isn't there.

Bringing it to Him.

The Lord is not intimidated by your questions.

He's not offended by your tears.

He's not frustrated by your struggles.

He's close to you right now.

Closer than you realize.

And while the pain may be real, it does not have the final word.

God does.

So if you've been asking,

"Why am I hurting like this?"

Maybe the better question is:

"What does God want to heal in me through this season?"

Because healing begins when we stop pretending we're okay and allow God access to the places that hurt.

And when we do, we discover something beautiful:

The same God who sees our pain is also the God who heals it.

You are not broken beyond repair.

You are not forgotten.

You are not alone.

God is near.

And your healing journey has already begun.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Thank you for taking the time to read today's message. My prayer is that it has encouraged your heart, strengthened your faith, and reminded you that God is still working in your life.

If you would like additional encouragement, I invite you to explore my book, Having a Peace of Mind: Relying Totally on God's Word, and listen to my podcast, Words of Encouragement with Lionel Pearson, where I share biblical truths, practical encouragement, and messages of hope for everyday life.

📖 Get the Book:
https://www.amazon.com/Having-Peace-Mind-Relying-Totally/dp/173735750X

🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:
https://lionelpearsonpodcast.buzzsprout.com

Until next time, keep trusting God, and remember that your best days are still ahead of you.

Be Encouraged, Know that I Love You.
— Pastor Lionel Pearson