Listen!! Then pray

So I have a confession to make this morning. You know how sometimes when we greet folks we ask how they are doing? Often times they say “ I’m good”. Occasionally though they may tell you about some trouble they are having. Maybe they are tired or in pain or having family issues. It could be anything. I Don’t know what it is about me, but people talk to me. About everything. I don’t mind. To be honest, I love people, so it’s okay. The confession though. I have come to realize that often when they tell me about what they are going through, I start telling them of something similar that I’ve experienced! It’s not about me!! They didn’t open up to me to hear my troubles! People have an honest need to get their troubles out to someone. They need to be heard not talked to. I know that in my weird way I’m trying to help but I’m not sure I am. Jesus took real interest in people. Even though it really was all about him, he made it all about who he was with. He honestly just loved listening to them and being with them. It shouldn’t be a surprise that we have troubles in this life and we all need someone to get it out to. I Know I do! Who better to go to than Jesus! What if instead of relating my pain back to them, I would pray with them instead? Then it’s not making it about me but letting them know how much I care about their situation? What if we go to Jesus together about whatever it is? John 16:33 says: I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
Not one person has endured more than Jesus and he has overcome. Are you that someone people confide in? Don’t be like me and talk about yourself. Take them to the one who truly loves and has overcome the world! Lord Jesus, I’m sorry for making things all about me. Teach me to pray with those who are hurting instead of adding my pain to theirs!! Help me to use my two ears instead of my one mouth!!

Much love my friends!