I Don't Have to Hide My Sadness

12–15 minutes

Center · Stillness

Settle in

Put the phone down. Take one slow breath, and say: “God, I am here. Speak, I am listening.”

Read · The passage

Scripture

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

John 16:33, BSB

Learn · Reflection

Reflection

Constantly hiding your sadness can make your heart heavier. God does not expect you to pretend you are fine all the time. Talking about what you feel, and letting other people walk beside you, is part of caring for yourself too. Opening your heart wisely can bring you closer to God and to the people who love you.

Lucas spent the whole day smiling at school, but inside he was sad. He had argued with a close friend and, even though he tried to act as if nothing had happened, he could not stop thinking about it.

When he got home, he kept pretending that everything was fine. He gave quick answers, avoided conversation and shut himself in his room. Part of him thought that showing sadness would make him look weak.

Later his father came into the room and simply sat down next to him. For a few minutes he stayed quiet, keeping his son company. Then Lucas said, “I did not want to worry anyone”.

His father answered with a sentence he never forgot: “You do not have to hide everything you feel”.

Sometimes we think that holding our emotions in protects other people or makes us stronger. Yet hiding sadness all the time can wear the heart out.

God does not want you to carry everything you feel on your own. Talking, crying or showing sadness is not a sign of weak faith. It can also be a healthy way to find healing and receive support.

Talk · Conversation

Talk about it

Lucas's father told him, “You do not have to hide everything you feel.” Where do you pretend the most that you are fine: at school, at home, or with your friends?

Thank · Gratitude

Give thanks

Today I thank God for the peace He gives me even on a day when nothing got fixed, like the day when…

Ask · Prayer

Pray together

Jesus, You warned us that in this world we would have trouble, and You still told us to take courage. Help me stop smiling on the outside when it is hurting on the inside.

Begin · Application

Carry it into the day

Today, when somebody asks how you are, answer with the truth instead of the automatic “I am fine”.

Scripture quoted from the Berean Standard Bible. Public domain (CC0)