When we’re struggling, or tempted by something, or battling an addiction, we often think that our problem is unique. We might find ourselves saying: ‘Others would reject me if they knew my problem. I’ve struggled with it so long that I don’t believe I’ll ever conquer it.’ When we think this way, we isolate ourselves and live in despair. One author writes: ‘So often we are inclined to keep our lives hidden. Shame and guilt prevent us from letting others know what we are living with. We think, “If my family and friends knew the dark cravings of my heart and my strange mental wanderings, they would push me away and exclude me from their company.” But the opposite is true. When we dare to lift up our cup and let our friends know what is in it, they will be encouraged to lift up their cups and share with us their anxiously hidden secrets. The greatest healing often takes place when we no longer feel isolated by our shame and guilt, and discover that others often feel what we feel, think what we think, and have the fears, apprehensions, and preoccupations we have.’ We shouldn’t let pride or shame stop us from reaching for help. When we’re honest with ourselves, with God and with others, we’ll find help and healing. Remember these Scriptures: ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.’ ‘God…comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God’ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV).

What now?

Do you need to be honest about a problem? Take a few minutes today to open it up to God. Then ask Him to show you a friend who can support you as you deal with it.