How Christian Counseling Helps While Searching for Truth and Renewal in the Midst of Suffering

Our experiences in life demand some sort of explanation. The more painful the experience, the stronger the question, “Why me?” seems to be uttered by anyone who has experienced pain and suffering (Wilkerson, 2011). Our views about God and his intentions toward us greatly impact our views about ourselves and ultimately impact how we respond in the midst of being sinned against.

When we endure stress and suffering, there is also a temptation to believe lies. It is important and healing to take note of some of these lies we begin to tell ourselves so that they do not define us. Christian counseling can help illuminate these lies, as well establish a relationship where we can work together to apply God’s truths in order to bring new life and truth in the midst of pain and confusion. If Jesus our redeemer, let us look at how his redemption plays a part in your life’s story to bring healing in the midst of pain and confusion. The word redemption can seem familiar to us, but how do we apply this to real life situations when we are suffering, hurt, and broken? What are the lies we are telling ourselves that seem to be “fueling the fire” of brokenness, confusion and even feeling far away from God?

• Some lies you may be facing or tempted to believe (Wilkerson, 2011):
  • I have been abandoned by God in the midst of my suffering. He is nowhere to be found.
  • God doesn’t understand.
  • I am defined as being a victim.
  • My suffering isn’t a big deal, so there’s no reason to talk about it.
  • If God truly loved me, he wouldn’t allow this to happen.
  • God hasn’t saved me from this pain, so he must not be present. I must have to take matters into my own hands.

Although well-intended at times, people in our lives can respond with well-meaning words, put a smile on it, things will get better, or even pull away when we hurt for a lack of ability to “help”. When we are feeling anxious or stressed, we need someone to comfort us and help us work through the raw and real reality of our present suffering. Stepping back to look at God’s promises in the midst of suffering, we see that He is working all of this out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28 English Standard Version). This is not to say that our suffering is easily abated by this truth, but it can be a great starting place toward healing, as well as unpacking this truth when we are broken. Allowing ourselves to grieve, wrestle with, and be angry with suffering opens the doors for transparency and new growth. It is then that we can apply the truth of God to help us face our suffering.

Being in a Christian Counseling environment that is sacred, can help individuals feel freedom to explore these questions and gain a deeper understanding of their suffering. Unpacking scripture and God’s affections toward us, as well as our own thoughts and understanding about Him create genuine and transparent change. My hope is to start the conversation about suffering from a grace-filled and patient place so that clients are able to find hope and strength in the midst of their pain. We all experience pain and suffering in our lives, and it is important to know that none of us are alone in this.

 

References
– The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2001.
Print:
– Wilkerson, M. (2011). Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the idols we worship and the wounds we carry. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway.
– Principles from “Redemption: Freed by Jesus from the Idols We Worship and the Wounds We Carry” by Mike Wilkerson

Images
cc: freedigitalphotos.net – “Sun Ray Behind Dark Cloud” by Sura Nualpradid and office.microsoft.com “Close-up of a teenaged girl suffering from depression”