When we’ve got an issue or problem in our lives, it’s so tempting for us to try and hide it from everyone. We pretend we’re fine because we don’t want anyone to know what we’re struggling with. But that doesn’t set us free, in fact it makes us even more trapped. An important step towards finding the freedom we want is to have someone that we can talk to. Someone we don’t have to hide everything away from. They become someone who understands, wants to see you set free, stands by you and knows how to keep what you’re saying confidential. The Bible says, ‘Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed’ (NIV). When we’ve been broken, we know what the mending process involves. So it’s even better if we find someone who’s struggled with the same issue that we’re facing. They’ll usually have a greater understanding than people who’ve never had to face that issue. And it’s worth remembering that when we’ve found healing we can help others who are facing what we faced too. When we open up to another person and ask for help, we’ve taken a major step towards healing, and ultimately to finding the freedom that we want. Jesus says that he came to give us life: life to the full (John 10:10). By hiding our problems away from others we stop ourselves from being able to live this full life. So let’s share, where appropriate, with other people we trust and take hold of that full life we’ve been promised.

What now?
When a friend asks ‘how are you?’, don’t go for the default ‘I’m fine’ reply. Instead (and if it’s appropriate), tell them how you’re really feeling.