When It Hurts: A Family Devotional for Sadness, Grief, and Hard DaysSample

We talked in another devotion about how our feelings aren’t wrong. Today, we’re going to talk about sharing those feelings. It can be scary to say what you’re thinking in your head and feeling in your heart. But God promises that He is a safe place for us. We don’t need to hide what we’re feeling from God. (He knows it already anyways). God is big enough to handle your emotions. He isn’t afraid of your doubt or your anger or your sadness or your questions. God loves your honesty and wants to hear your heart. As a family, we want to be a safe place for each other, just like God is for us.

There are lots of stories in the Bible of people who talked to God about how they were really feeling. Job, David, Jeremiah, and Jesus are just a few. Yes, even Jesus poured out His real feelings to God. Here are a few of the things He said when He was hurting:

“My heart is very sad . . .” (Matthew 26:38, WE)

“If only . . .” (Luke 19:42, CEB)

“Please take this bitter cup from Me . . .” (Matthew 26:39, VOICE)

“God, why . . . ?” (Matthew 27:46)

We know that Jesus did not sin. So we know that feeling and saying these things was not wrong. We can trust that God will not get angry if we tell Him that we are angry. God will not be disappointed if we tell Him we don’t like what happened. God is not upset when we ask Him why or tell Him that we don’t understand. He is not frustrated when we are still hurting. We don’t have to hide anything from God.

There might be parts of our story and heart that we don’t like. Some parts can make us feel embarrassed or ugly or ashamed. But the parts of our story or our hearts that we think are ugly don’t make us ugly. Sharing what is wrong on the inside and outside of us doesn’t make us wrong. God wants us to share everything with Him so that every part of us and our story can experience His love.

We feel the same way God does. You don’t have to keep any details to yourself. We will not think badly of you if we hear the whole story or your whole heart. We will love and accept all of your feelings and all of your story. We will be a safe place for you.

PARENTS: Before proceeding, please consider if your children are at an appropriate age and maturity for the information that might be shared by other members. If you think that a child may feel more comfortable speaking one-on-one, feel free to dismiss your other children and talk to them individually.

Family Discussion Questions (pick 2 or more)

• What are some reasons people wouldn’t want to talk to God about how they’re feeling or share all the details of their story?
• Ask yourself, Is there anything you have been too afraid to talk about with God?
• Do you believe God wants to bring healing and love to all parts of your heart and your story? Or are you more likely to believe that He will be disappointed or that He just wants to punish you?
• Ask yourself, Is there anything you want to share so we can bring love and acceptance to that area?