ARE YOU OK?

A sober yet needed question that I hate to admit is not being asked.

For whatever reason, a lot of us avoid or overlook these questions:  
·  Once a person was social, now living in silence. Are you ok?
·  A person with much exuberance, now depleted. Are you ok?
·  A person talkative, now withdrawn. Are you ok?
·  Larger than life personality, now avoidance is their persona. Are you ok?

We all have issues, baggage, messes, and drama occasionally. This devotional is not to put down or expose anyone. It is for the one who has no one asking and for the one who is not asking. To both, I say: be open and speak out.
We are all aware of mental illness, and yes, it is in the church, too.
 
Can we get to a place where we check ON and not judge somebody?
In Genesis, the book of beginnings, God makes a compelling statement, “Where are you?” It was not that God did not know. He knows everything. It was because God is relational. When we think about the Ten Commandments, four are about Him, and the other six are about one another.

Has it crossed your mind where is “__________” or are we thinking they do not want to be bothered?
If I am your brother – I should not be a bother.
I will offer some places where some might be:

• Adam was hiding because of sin.
  Hiding places:
  ·      King Saul hid among the baggage. (stuff we carry)
  ·      Behind marriage (spouse)
  ·      Conversations
  ·      A man who uses big words can be hiding behind bigger insecurities.
  
  

Hurt
Possible REASONS we are hurting:
·      We are attached to people who have been distant from us.
·      We are paying attention to people who ignore us.
·      We make time for people who are “TOO BUSY” for us.
·      We are too caring for people who are careless when it comes to us.
·      We will all get hurt; the real decision is: are those things or people worth our suffering?

Just because somebody is strong enough to handle being hurt does not mean they deserve it. 

Hostage
1 Timothy 2:6, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed at the proper time.
The enemy has gotten you, and you cannot seem to break free.

Haughtiness
We could mistakenly think that they are just confident, but more than that … Haughtiness can show up not only in our demeanor but also in our discussions.

Pride comes before a fall! This is where too many could be, and they will say:  
“I’m ok” – when they are not.

Do not let what you think or imagine stop you from asking or reaching out to see if they are okay.

Do not do it because you have to (that is “duty”)

Let us do it because we
1. Care
2. Love 
3. It could be us one day (I pray never – but it could be)

If you are reading this and are not okay, please reach out to people you trust, a professional therapist, or even a close friend. But please do not continue to suffer.