A safe place to dump your garbage…

Today’s tip for developing your daily time with God is catharsis. Catharsis is an interesting term that was first introduced to the world of mental health by Josef Breuer, a colleague and mentor of Sigmund Freud.

Oh, I know what some of you are thinking. “What good can come out of that psychologist?”

Well, a lot. If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through anyone. “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and it said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?’” (Numbers 22:28, NIV) If God can speak through me, He can speak through anyone. Theologians call this an example of common grace. God speaks to everyone. 

The Bible speaks of this amazing revelation theme and the Advocate: “‘And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:’” and “‘However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.’” (John 16:8,13, NKJV)  

Isn’t that good news? God will speak to you and me even more because we love Him, and He adores us. So let’s get back to the concept of catharsis and prayer. 

The Bible says we should “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, TPT) That’s catharsis. It’s dumping all the emotional toxicity and pain out of your system. 

Prayer is the safest place to dump all your emotions and concerns onto God. It’s a lot like taking out your garbage daily. You can tell God everything and anything. He will never judge you or reject you. In fact, He’s urging you right now to tell Him everything, and He’s telling you, “‘Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’” (Isaiah 41:10, NKJV) 

Prayer will become your least expensive form of therapy and spiritual help. Prayer is not using perfect words in their proper form. Prayer is a sloppy mess of hurt, love, praise, and pain.

Because you’re a miracle.