“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12, ESV)
In track and field there is an event known as the hurdles. It is on a stretch of track where the runner must jump over some barriers. Often a runner would fail to clear the barrier. He would then trip, and fall to the ground. Even the fastest runner in the race would lose if he stumbled and fell while trying to hurdle the barrier.
Now, there are many barriers to experiencing emotional healing and experiencing emotional wellness. Yet the greatest one is that of pride. I have met many people with severe emotional problems that would not deal with them, refusing` to believe that they had a problem.
Some of these problems originated from deep wounds early in life. These wounds caused them to respond in unbiblical ways which became habitual coping mechanisms in their lives. Some of these coping mechanisms include various abuses such as alcohol and drugs, gambling, eating disorders, bursts of anger, disassociation from people and problems, various phobias, crying at the drop of a hat, avoidance, participation in sexual sin, and many others.
These behaviors can heap various forms of guilt upon people. This guilt can result in depression and anxiety and other emotional ills.
Too often pride is the major barrier to a person experiencing emotional healing. The proud person may be in denial. They think, “I don’t have a problem!” Often the proud person may try to deflect the problem, “It is someone else’s fault!” or “It is because this happened!” The proud person also will often just try to avoid or ignore the issue; they think that burying the problem will fix it. Regarding the proud person, the writer of Proverbs stated, “Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12, ESV)
The prescription for this problem of pride is simple to give. Yet it is often a difficult pill to swallow. Prideful man does not want to admit that there may be a problem. It is like a man who is physically sick but refused to go to the doctor. Here is the prescription.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. . . God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6, 10, ESV)
The problem is with the ingrained sinful nature of man which completely aligns with the world system’s pride of life. It is a lure with will bring hardship and failure.
How does one humble himself. The simple answer is to admit that there is a problem and get help. We have many examples in the Scriptures of humility. Jesus demonstrated great humility by taking upon Himself the sins of the world that He did not commit.
“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8, ESV)
Paul humbled himself by glorying in, admitting in his weaknesses. This he did when the Lord spoke to him.
“But (the Lord) he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
If you are struggling today with an emotional issue, humble yourself, pray, and seek godly counsel. If you know of someone with an emotional issue and refuses to get help, pray for them, for it is an issue with the heart, and encourage them to seek help. You see, God’s grace is needed and healing power is available to the humble.
Renewing the Heart 