We often find it easy to talk about things that don’t really matter. But when it’s time to talk about our fears, our loneliness, our guilt, or our need to be loved, we struggle to get the words out. Maybe it’s because we struggle to trust other people, and we don’t want to let them know what’s really going in our lives. Maybe it’s because we’re ashamed of what we’re struggling with, and we want to avoid the judgment of others. But God created us with a need to feel and express emotions. He created us to live in community with others. The Bible says: ‘Two people are better than one…If one falls down, the other can help him up.’ It’s right to be cautious about who we share our emotions and struggles with. But when we know we can trust someone, it can be helpful for us to take off the mask we’re wearing, move on from the small talk, and tell them how we’re really getting on. By sharing with others, we gain support, whether practically or physically. It also helps build our relationships with others and encourages them to open up to us too. The Bible says we should be carrying each other’s burdens (take a look at Galatians 6:2), and the only way we can do that is if we’re willing to be vulnerable and share those burdens. David wasn’t afraid to share his emotions. He said to God, ‘I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed’ (Psalm 61:2 NKJV). If we’re struggling to open up to other people, we can start by opening up to God. He’s always prepared to listen, He can help us deal with things, and whatever we tell Him doesn’t affect how much He loves us.

What Now?

Next time someone you trust asks you how you are, try being honest with them and ask them if they would pray for you.