When Helping Others Hurts
There are days when I feel like my life is in shambles—lonely, weary, unseen. And yet, somehow, I keep showing up to help others get out of their mess.
I pour out, encourage, pray, support… but inside, I ache. I wonder, Who is there to lift me up?
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone. I’ve felt it too.
I’ve taken that pain—confusion, frustration, deep loneliness—and laid it at the feet of Jesus. That’s honestly the only thing keeping me from giving up.
But here’s what I’ve come to realize: God sees me. And He sees you too.
1. You Are Not Forgotten
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
You may feel forgotten by people, but you are not forgotten by God. You are engraved on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). He doesn’t overlook those who suffer quietly while serving faithfully.
2. Even the Greats Felt Like This
“We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” – 2 Corinthians 1:8
Paul, the mighty apostle, once despaired of life itself. That darkness you’re feeling? Others have been there. But Paul didn’t stay there—he turned his weakness into reliance on God’s resurrection power. So can you.
3. Your Labor is Not in Vain
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Helping others when you’re hurting is not weakness—it’s sacrificial love. But it’s okay to admit you’re tired. Don’t quit. There is a harvest. God will restore what you’ve poured out.
4. God Cares About Your Longing
“God sets the lonely in families…” – Psalm 68:6
“For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name…” – Isaiah 54:5
That desire for someone to share life with—it’s not shameful or selfish. It’s human. And God cares about it more than you realize. He is the first to weep over your loneliness and the first to promise, “I am with you always.”
5. He Holds You in the Breaking
“Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed…” – Lamentations 3:22
“My grace is sufficient for you…” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
You may feel consumed by sorrow, but you are not. You are held by grace. Not because you’re strong, but because He is.
Final Thought:
If you’re barely holding on, know this: you’re not alone.
And maybe—just maybe—your faith in the storm is the very message someone else needs to survive theirs.
Let’s keep trusting Him.
Even with tears in our eyes.
Even when we don’t understand.
He is still good.
And He is still here.