HOW TO HANDLE LIFE’S HURTS
How to Handle Life’s Hurts
“… my heart is wounded within me. I fade away like an evening shadow.” Psalm 109:22-23
In Psalms, David illustrates six ways we normally react to our problems which only make matters worse.
I. HOW PEOPLE HURT
* We hurt PHYSICALLY
* We hurt EMOTIONALLY
* We hurt RELATIONALLY
II. SIX REMEDIES FOR HURT THAT DON’T WORK
(Pr. 14:12) (Verses from Good News Translation)
1. DON’T IGNORE IT
“I kept quiet, not saying a word… but my suffering only grew worse, and I was overcome with anxiety. The more I thought, the more troubled I became…” Psalm 39:2-3 (GNT)
2. DON’T RUN FROM IT
“I wish I had wings like a dove. I would fly away and find [some] rest. [I would flee to some refuge from all this storm!]” Psalm 55:6; 8 (GNT)
3. DON’T HIDE IT
“There was a time when I wouldn’t admit [my sin]… but dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.” Psalm 32:3 (TLB)
4. DON’T WORRY ABOUT IT
“… I am worn out by my worries.” Psalm 55:2 (GNT)
“… I am so worried I cannot speak!” Psalm 77:4 (GNT)
“Don’t give in to worry or anger; it only leads to trouble.” Psalm 37:8 (GNT)
5. DON’T RESENT YOUR ANGER
“When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt … I did not understand you.” Psalm 73:21-22 (GNT)
6. DON’T GIVE UP
“From the depth of my despair I call to you, LORD. Hear my cry, O Lord; listen to my call for help.” Psalm 130:1-2 (GNT)
III. CONCLUSION: WHAT WILL WORK?
… the 1st step:
“I bring [God] all my complaints; I tell Him all my troubles. When I am ready to give up, He knows what I should do!” Psalm 142:2-3 (GNT)