Can we hear them? Are the ears of our hearts open to the hushed groans and faint sighs of people suffering in silence? So many languish in daily distress as we rush by, faintly aware. Or oblivious. We press on, all systems go, while others endure on-going pain from a broken relationship with a parent, child, or spouse. Some are tormented with chronic physical pain. Others hide shame from emotional or physical abuse. Too many desperately try to breathe through another day, suffocating under the weight of depression. Battered by the winds of social media displaying perfect, rose-colored lives, they weep over an empty womb, an empty marriage, an empty bank account. Laughter ringing from social gatherings, echoes empty in their world of deep loneliness.
Sometimes silence results because the afflicted hold their wounds close; the sources of pain shielded from others eyes. Sometimes a laconic message is missed. Or ignored. The result of our overflowing lives, feeding self-focus that cause us to miss opportunities to really “see” others. To “hear” weary tones in their voices, and ponder stories that don’t mesh. To pause long enough to pick up on cues and hints of suffering. To just stop. And be present with people.
To the one suffering in silence, know this: you are never alone. The King of kings, your Creator, sees you. He knows your every sorrow and ache; your hidden burdens and troubles. He came to bind up your broken-heart. To pour hope in your hopelessness. And to perform a miracle in your mess. He loves you and wants to bring healing to your life.
Turn to Him. Share every detail about your pain. He is interested in each nuance of what you feel and experience. You cannot sit at His feet, sharing your heart and listening to His, without something changing. Interacting with the King of Angel Armies, who also happens to be your Abba Father, and remembering He loves you and sees your suffering, changes something deep inside. As He pours His love out upon an aching soul, troubled heart, or physical woe, dry bones come to life. Hope is ignited. Joy is seeded in the soil of sorrow. Promises from His Word give strength to carry on. Circumstances may not change. Pain may not dissipate. But you will receive what you need for each moment to persevere. During months, and even years of trial, He will be with you until final victory is yours.
Incredible support can be found in having just one other to share your hardship. Wisdom says, “When you’re bleeding, don’t go swimming with the sharks.” Be careful who you choose to share your burden with. If there’s no one in whom you can confide, pray God will introduce someone into your life to build a trusting relationship.
Don’t carry your pain alone. Start at the feet of Jesus, your greatest friend and savior. Then under His loving guidance, look for that someone who can add human touch, share your burden, and be a friend and prayer warrior in your adversity.
To the one not suffering: we need to open ourselves to ministering to someone who is. No, we cannot be “that” person for everyone. We follow the Lord’s direction to come alongside someone we are in relationship with now, or someone who crosses our path, totally unexpected. Only under the guidance of the Holy Spirit can we be of any use. A humble, compassionate, and listening heart are the qualities required to serve in the life of a sufferer.
Our purpose is not to swoop in, identify an acquaintance who has been through something “similar”, relay the details of that situation, offer a keep-on-going pat on the back, then disappear. Our call is to get in the muck with them, to see this thing through beside them. Sharing someone’s affliction is an earned privilege. Tread softly. They may not be able or have the courage to share the source of their pain. We don’t need details to be sensitive and supportive. Gently offer understanding, compassion and resources. As Christ does for us. Daily.
Joy blossoms when we carry each other’s burdens, for we are fulfilling the teachings of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Around the next turn, we could be the one suffering in silence, searching for a safe place to share and receive ministry.
