Coping By Repressing

When faced with difficult memories or emotions, how many of us have chosen to repress our thoughts and  try to deny the impact of these experiences on us.

We make excuses for behaviour – our own and others – and try to convince ourselves things were not as bad as others made out. 

We even try to make excuses with God about what’s gone on and try to convince Him to go along with our view of things even though He’s God and knows absolutely every little detail, even better than we remember it, of what actually happened and the impact events had on us and others. 

God says:  You have heard my predictions and seen them fulfilled, but you refuse to admit it. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.

Isaiah 48:6a, 18

Avoiding reality will hinder us from having the meaningful, purposeful life that we desire.  Feelings of anxiety will surface and we need to be willing to put aside defense mechanisms and be honest about what is truly going on inside us. 

For those who’ve struggled with addictions and destructive life habits, we know the road to addiction is often paved with dishonesty about events that negatively impacted our lives.  The truth is, God made us and knows us and nothing is hidden from His sight.

You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.

Psalm 139:2-3

Heavenly Father, You now what we’ve felt we needed to repress in order to survive.  You know the things we’ve avoided because we thought we were unable to cope with them or what would happen if others found out what really happened. 

Today, with You helping us, we want to let ourselves   be known as the person Yor created us to be, not hiding from our fears, and trusting You to help us identify and live a fulfilling life one day at  time.  You tell us:

My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Proverbs 4:20-22

And so today in as simple and uncomplicated way as we can, help us to follow Your principles in all our affairs so we can be more truly the people You have created us to be and experience the healing and life You are offering us today.  Amen 

There’s a saying in AA, “We’re only as sick as our secrets.”  Let’s get things out in the air today, find trustworthy help as needed, and take positive steps forward.