I read a book awhile ago about Papua New Guinea. My publisher sent it to me because I had just travelled there. The author had lived among the Fau tribe. She mentioned that they were simple people who had very little. But she also said they had no depression, anxiety or psychological problems. Actually, they had a unique way of dealing with their problems. When they were hurting, they would sing about it. And they didn’t hide it from anybody; they would just sing out loud so everybody in the village could hear.
They would sing little phrases like, “Somebody came from another village and robbed me. And I’m very mad about it. I don’t think it’s fair at all, and I’m really hurting.” Sometimes they would sing for days until they got over what was bothering them.
If someone lost a loved one, they might lie down in their tent and sing out their grief, which could take several days. But the day they came out of their tent, it was over. The pain of their loss was never brought up again because the matter was completely dealt with in their soul. They were free to move on with their life! And we can all learn something from that.
How to Put Your Cares to a Final Rest
I think many Christians, in our desire to be people of faith, just gloss over the hard things in life instead of dealing with them until they’re truly dead and buried. We need to learn how to talk openly and honestly to God, because as soon as we bring our secrets out in the open, they lose their power over us.
I bet you could think up a song or two to sing right now: “God, I’m so mad at this person. They really hurt me. I’m just feeling so bad.” You get the idea—you’ve got to let it out. But the Bible shows us there’s a bit more to it than that.
Letting It Out Isn’t All There Is To It
Let’s look at the way David talked to God.
In Psalm 38:8-15 (NLT) David says, “I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.… My heart beats wildly, my strength fails, and I am going blind. My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance. Meanwhile, my enemies lay traps to kill me. Those who wish me harm make plans to ruin me. All day long they plan their treachery. But I am deaf to all their threats.… I choose to hear nothing, and I make no reply. For I am waiting for you, O Lord. You must answer for me, O Lord my God.”
David is saying, “Look, God, this is the way I feel. I’m not being treated right and people are out to get me.” But He’s also saying, “I’m going to keep my mouth shut and stay positive because I’m putting my trust in You.”
You and I need to talk to God, tell Him how we feel―and then decide to trust Him, no matter what our circumstances may look like or what other people may say.
Deciding to
Sing a New Song
I am begging you today…if you have any bitterness or resentment or unforgiveness or unresolved anger in your heart…if you’re upset and you don’t know why, ask God to help you find the answers. Then act like He’s already answered your prayer.
These days, it’s not particularly easy to find friends you can freely confide in, but you can always confide in God. And it may be hard to confront the hard things that have happened in your life, but it’s also freeing. The truth sets us free!
I encourage you to put this simple lesson into practice. Psalm 96:1 (NIV) says, “Sing to the Lord a new song.” Think up a new song to sing. Better yet, sing it out loud. Release your hurts and problems to God and take hold of the freedom and joy that are already yours, in Him.
For more on this topic, order Joyce’s four-CD series Why Do I Feel the Way I Feel? You can also contact us to receive our free magazine, Enjoying Everyday Life, by calling (800) 727-9673 or visiting www.joycemeyer.org.