There will always be something in life that will try to tear you down or bring you down.  I have never been one to complain about stuff.  I feel like it is a waste of time and I think it brings others down at the same time when they have their own problems to deal with.  But there are times where you do just need to vent and get out some of the emotions that come along with the frustrations and dilemmas of life.

Stuffing it and hiding it away can cause long term damage, so it is important to allow yourself to be able to be open and honest with yourself and possibly with someone close to you like your spouse or a good friend.  But then there are struggles that some of us face that we really cannot share with anyone – things that maybe noone else would or could ever understand.  Or if we did share it we may risk hurting someone.

Years ago, I would be quick to tell my secrets.  I would have to get things off my chest.  But I was not careful in WHO I talked to.  And of course I had been hurt and betrayed numerous times by people who were close to me at the time.  I learned the hard way that I really need to have discernment in what comes out my mouth.

About a year ago, I had a good friend tell me a secret, something that shocked me about something that she had done.  I so badly wanted to say something about it (at least to my husband).  It was so difficult to let it go and use that energy to actually do some good and pray for her.  Over time, I began to see how it really brought a lot of healing for my friend to share with me what she did.  Getting it off her chest brought her a sense of freedom.

I know many people who are quick to TALK, but I am really one who is good at LISTENING.  I think talking too much can lead to complaining and I just really can’t stand complaining.  I have been there.  I have done it.  I know it doesn’t lead anywhere.  And if we keep on doing it, it seems that God continues to allow circumstances that will tempt us to complain even more.  We really have to conquer it and just face life as it comes.

My mom is a big example.  She has had a year from hell with all the unbelievable things she has had to face.  Being so close to her, I have suffered right along with her.  We have both been tempted to question God and ask why.  There have been times where we have complained and gotten discouraged.  But in spite of so many odds, my mom has not given up.  She has kept going and allowed God to make her a stronger person.

I am reminding myself of this today as I am faced with some different challenges.  I don’t want to stuff it inside and pretend like everything is fine, which I am pretty good at.  But I am hurting.  I don’t necessarily have secrets, but there are things that I am facing that I would like to keep between me and God or me and those who are closest to me.

I am in a place where I am not sure where to go, what to do, or how to move forward.  I have no idea how I would handle this if I didn’t have God in my life.  I may have given up a long time ago.  It would be pointless for me to go blabbing my mouth about my problems to everyone around me when there are so many others struggling a million times worse than me.  That does not mean my problems mean nothing and I should not face them, but it is important to find an outlet – a way of expressing your emotions in a healthy and positive way.

I always come back to the fact that I am so grateful that in spite of life’s twists and turns – we are never alone – God is there.  He has each and every one of us in the palm of His Might Hand.  He knows the answers.  He knows WHY certain things happen and WHY certain things don’t happen.  He has a plan.  He holds the key to our future.  No matter what we go through (and it sure seems like people are being hit hard lately), God is there.  And my measly little problems are nothing in comparison to His everlasting Love in my life.  And best of all, our secrets are safe with Him!  I love that.