From “NO” to “KNOW” to “GLOW”!!!

Why does rejection hurt so much, Lord?

Maybe, in part, because the same brain regions activated during physical pain also activate when people experience rejection? As Kirsten Weir noted in her article entitled The Pain of Social Rejection:  “As far as your brain is concerned, a broken heart is not so different from a broken arm.”  (http://www.apa.org/monitor/2012/04/rejection.aspx)

If only we could “set” a broken heart like we set a broken arm!  A cast here, a sling there, topped off with physical therapy and we’re as good as new?!

Maybe there’s some truth to that approach, Lord.  As long as we allow You to be our Great Physician… instead of self-diagnosing and self-medicating.

In the wake of social rejection pain, we often want to immobilize (i.e., isolate) ourselves. Maybe we stuff it (and mask it), pretending it didn’t really hurt.  Maybe we crawl into our cave, “escape” into our favorite comfort foods… adding a “healthy” (OK, not-so-healthy) dose of vegging in front of the TV.

But what if we did the kind of immobilizing and isolating You prescribe, Lord?  Deliberately escaping into Your presence, knowing it is only there that we can be fearlessly honest with You about everything we are thinking and feeling?

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  (Psalm 139:23-24)

What are You able to do in that place of transparency and dependency, Lord?  That special “something” that just can’t be accomplished by a half-gallon of double fudge ice cream or the latest Hallmark Channel rerun?   🙁   🙂

You begin to turn that “NO” into our “KNOW.”  You remind us of Your nearness.  Your Unfailing Love.  Your Amazing Grace.

And a spark of Hope ignites.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.  I will build you up again.”  (Jeremiah 31:3)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”  (Isaiah 41:10)

You give us perspective.  Reminding us that You understand — even more than we do — the very real and raw pain of rejection.  And what it takes to keep going.

“Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  (Hebrews 12:3)

You reassure us that there is purpose in our pain.  You will use it for our good… even bringing forth priceless treasures that cannot be found anywhere else.

“Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  (James 1:2-4)

You help us be grateful for the opportunity You gave us to make a difference for You in the life of the one who rejected us.

“… give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

You enable us, despite ourselves, to pray.

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”  (Luke 6:27-28)

You build us up through Your great and precious promises!  Lighting the way forward by reminding us how accepted, secure and significant we are… all because of You!  

Making our “KNOW” start to “GLOW”!!!  Revealing our next steps… and empowering us to take them!

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.”  (Psalm 119:105)

“… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”  (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

“… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16)

Oh Lord!  You are the Almighty Healer above all other healers!!!

Only You can turn our Rejections into Resurrections!!!

Only You can take us from NO to KNOW to GLOW… to GO!!!

Count me in!!!   🙂

Abba’s Girl

 

 

 

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