Weekly Devotional: Letting Pain Go

So many of us carry invisible “bags” filled with sadness, resentment, or unresolved emotions. We may try to push these feelings down, pretending they don’t exist, or distract ourselves with habits that only numb the pain temporarily. What happens when we bury so much of our emotions and this ends up like storing toxic waste underground eventually, it leaks out and poisons the environment around us.

Pain is no different. When left unaddressed, it seeps into our spirit and begins to show up as anger, sadness, mood swings, stress, or even physical illness. It steals our joy and keeps us from fully living in the freedom God desires for us.

The truth is, holding onto bitterness doesn’t punish the one who hurt us — it actually hurts us. God wants you to ease your spirit and find forgiveness. Forgiveness, though difficult, is the key to letting go. It doesn’t excuse what was done, but it just frees our heart from the chains of resentment.

God gently invites us to bring our pain to Him. He doesn’t ask us to figure it all out alone. Instead, He wants us to hand over our wounds, our anger, and our sorrow, trusting that He can heal us at the deepest level. When we do this, we wake up lighter, refreshed, and renewed- no longer bound by yesterday’s hurts.

If you’re tired of carrying bitterness, start with a simple prayer such as this:

“Lord, I no longer want to hold onto this anger and sadness. Help me release it and trust You to heal me. Fill me with peace and remind me that freedom is possible in You.”

Each step you take to release the pain in your heart, it brings you closer to peace, joy, and the abundant life God has prepared for you.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” – Ephesians 4:31