Stop suffering in silence

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” Proverbs 19:20 NLT

In an article published earlier this week by Runners World magazine titled, “Lower Back Pain When Running? Here’s How to Treat It,” the writer said “Stop suffering in silence. Here’s how you can identify and address your lower back pain the next time it bothers you.” They went on to say, “It can be hard to find the exact culprits for your lower back pain, especially if you normally suffer from it. For runners, common causes of lower back pain include improper form, weak muscles, and possibly more severe issues. If you’re experiencing bone- or muscle-related lower back pain when running, there are stretches and exercises you can do to relieve the discomfort you’re feeling.” The takeaway from the article? There’s no need for a runner to suffer from back pain when they can seek sound medical advice that will lead them to the correct treatment and cure for their pain. 

And you know, it’s not just runners who suffer in silence from lack of sound advice, many Christians do too. You see, many believers in our world today are experiencing spiritual and emotional pain—pain from past sin, trauma or guilt among other things—pain they keep inside for fear of judgment, ridicule, ostracism, or being misunderstood. But the truth is this... God gave us our brothers and sisters to provide “advice and instruction” to help us deal with and work though our pain. Which is the very reason Solomon advised us to “get all the advice and instruction” we can so that we can gain the wisdom to treat or avoid those things that cause us pain.

So if this has you saying to yourself, “she’s talking about me today,” take heart my friend. You don’t have to suffer in silence, and you shouldn’t. Call up a trusted friend or mentor today who is mature and rooted in the Word and allow them to give you the “advice and instruction” you need to rid yourself of the pain you were never intended to carry. You’ll be so glad you did. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that there’s no need to suffer in silence when we have co-workers in the faith that can and will give us good, godly advice and instruction. Help us to swallow our pride and to seek these people out when we are hurting Lord that we might be refreshed and restored. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!