by Tom O'Neil - I’m reading a great book titled 12 Christian Beliefs That Drive You Crazy by Christian psychologists Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend.
Yesterday I came across a section that really made a lot of sense to me.
Many Christians struggle through their lives with feelings of negativity and depression, never attaining the joy, freedom and peace God has designed for our lives.
Hurts and losses that we have not dealt with properly keep us stuck emotionally and spiritually in our lives.
If our heart is frozen in grief, we are unable to feel the full range of feelings God has designed for us, both as human beings, and at a higher level as Christians.
If this frozen grief is not dealt with appropriately, over the medium/long term it may turn into full blown depression. However as Cloud and Townsend state,
“Sadness and anger (about hurts and losses in our lives) need to go somewhere. If we express them, we let go of our hurts and losses and can move toward happiness. But depression does not go anywhere; it sits like a block of mud. Often it needs to be washed away with tears of sadness, and then it moves out of one’s system”.
Ironically grieving and sadness can move a person out of pain and into happiness.
As Matthew 5:4 says, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted”.
If you are feeling stuck in your life, chat with one of the men in your men’s group or your Pastor about areas you need to deal with.
Seek God about whether there is something you need to let go of, allowing God’s fullness and best to flood into your life!
God bless and go for it!
Tom O’Neil
30-Second Reflection
For Reflection and Group Discussion
- Getting Unstuck: What are hidden signs you’re “stuck” without realising it?
- Frozen Grief: Why is it so hard for us to express sadness or anger?
- The Paradox: How has God comforted you in a season of loss or sadness?
- The Mud: What is one way we can let God “wash away” the heavy stuff?
- Taking Action: Who can you call to help you get “un-stuck”?
Join us this Friday as we discuss Tom O’Neil’s reflection on, Don’t Get Stuck. Bring your coffee and your perspective as we check out why being “stuck” is only temporary.
When: Friday, 24 April | 6:30AM - 7:30AM (NZST)
Where: Zoom Link Here
Meeting ID: 890 3222 8562
Passcode: PKFriday
Whangarei PK Men's Breakfast with guest speaker Andy Mill
Join us in Whangarei for a delicious breakfast 🍳and a great morning with guest speaker Andy Mill 😊 who is a power-house of faith, hope and courage.💪🏽🙏🏽
Chatting with Andy is like a soul-boosting espresso shot, ☕ so we know you'll enjoy this opportunity to hear from him. 🔥You can find out more about Andy [here]
Whangarei Men's Breakfast
Date: Saturday 2 May
Time: 7am to 9.30am
Location: Arise Church Whangarei, 55 Great North Road, Te Kamo.
Tickets cost $15 each.
Register Now here: www.promisekeepers.org.nz/whangarei
Please register for catering purposes.
For more info about the Whangarei Men's Event [click here]
See you there!
