When you think about the word “hurt,” what comes to mind? Do you think of physical pain—an ache in your back, a throbbing headache, or an injury that refuses to heal? Most of us have experienced physical discomfort at some point. But if we’re honest, haven’t we experienced far more emotional pain than physical pain?
Anxiety hurts. Fear hurts. Relational strain hurts. Unresolved conflict and uncertain futures create an inner ache that can weigh far heavier than anything in our bodies. As I reflect on my own life, I realize the majority of my pain hasn’t been physical—it has been internal.
When I look around, I see many hurting people. Not bitter people. Not broken people without hope. I see wonderful people with courageous attitudes who are working through tough seasons. They keep smiling. They’re making lemonade out of lemons. They show up. They press on. But beneath that strength, they are carrying pressure, stress, and quiet pain.
Physical pain often lingers whether we want it to or not. But inner pain is different. It’s something we must deliberately release. Picture a bathtub filled with dirty water. If we don’t pull the plug, the murky water just sits there. In the same way, worries, anxieties, and hurts will remain unless we intentionally drain them.
How does that happen? Not by willpower. Not by pretending. Only by something supernatural.
With Jesus as Lord, His Spirit as your Helper, and His Word as truth, you can “pull the plug” on inner pain each day. God alone can do this work in the heart. But it does require faith. You must believe His promises and actively apply them.
The instructions are beautifully clear...
First: 1 Peter 5:6 (NLT): “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.”
Humility is powerful. It acknowledges that you are not in ultimate control. Pride demands immediate answers. Pride says, “Fix it now.” Humility says, “Lord, I trust You—even if this takes time.” When you humble yourself under His mighty hand, you are placing your situation into hands far stronger than your own.
Second: 1 Peter 5:7 (RSV): “Cast all your anxieties on Him, for He cares about you." This is where you pull the plug. Casting is active. It’s intentional. I often speak my concerns out loud in prayer, picturing myself laying them at His feet and walking away. Then I thank Him for caring. Jesus has already proven His love by giving His life. He will not abandon you in your present struggle. Through faith and patience, He turns things around.
Third: 1 Peter 5:8–9 (NLT) says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering.”
The enemy preys on unguarded minds. He whispers lies, exaggerates fears, and magnifies problems. But you are not alone, and you are not powerless. Jesus has given you authority over your enemy. Stand firm. Resist him. Refuse to let his lies fill your tub with murky water.
A while back, I received some discouraging news and had a restless night. By morning I’d had enough. I got up, opened God’s Word, and deliberately drained the pain. Truth replaced fear. Peace replaced anxiety. His Word did exactly what it promises to do.
He will do the same for you.
Every single day, His mercies are new. Every day, you can drain yesterday’s murky water and start fresh.
Lamentations 3:22–25 (NLT): “The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! By His mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day. I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!’ The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for Him and seek Him.”
Drain the pain. Pull the plug. Start fresh.
His mercies are waiting.
