Friends
Friends
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 nlt
Pause
My friend Trudy ended the phone call and sat in dumbfounded silence. A mix of anger, shock, and disbelief made her nauseous. She’d be the first to admit she wasn’t a perfect mother, but hearing her daughter yell, “You don’t love me! You’ve never loved me!” broke her heart.
Trudy’s thoughts spiraled into guilt, shame, and blame. She felt them dragging her into a deep, dark pit of despair, but she chose to resist. She called a wise friend and poured out her heart. That friend listened and prayed with Trudy. Her presence and kindness brought calm and clarity.
Our tendency in crisis might be to withdraw. We believe we can tough it out. We keep silent for fear of what others might say if they knew. Pride prevents us from seeking help when we need it most, and we suffer for it. Galatians 6:2 implies that everyone has burdens and no one is meant to carry them alone. It’s okay to ask for help. That’s what friends are for.
Ponder
Are you carrying your burdens alone? If so, think of a friend with whom you can talk and pray.
Pray
Lord, please give me discernment. With whom can I share the concerns on my heart?
“We need people who will reach out and hold our hands whenever we find ourselves walking in the dark. People who are quick to put our hearts at ease and swift to remind us how much we are loved. … They become peepholes through which we glimpse the kingdom of God, inspiration to become the best possible versions of ourselves even in the most difficult circumstances.”
Margaret Feinberg, Fight Back with Joy: Celebrate More, Regret Less, Stare Down Your Greatest Fears
From the book
