Yesterday I shared that when we are going through difficult times it helps to know that God sees us and cares about what we're going through. Well it feels good to know that there are people that care too. And the truth is the helpers often get more out of the helping than the recipients.

 

As a counselor I learned about addiction, and I was thinking about how sponsors achieve more sobriety in sponsoring others than in being sponsored. Statistics show that having a sponsor (a person to call to help you stay clean and sober) doesn't affect sobriety rates; but being a sponsor is what keeps a person sober. That selflessness and accountability seems to keep people on track. When prisoners are given pets to take care of they do much better and become better people. It's so important that we reach out to others; not just for their sake but for our own sake. When people are hurting if they turn inwards and have a pity party they get worse; they feel worse and become bitter. When hurting people reach out to others they forget about their problems and get that joy that comes from helping others. I know when I went through some of my toughest times writing and sharing encouraging messages ministered to me greatly.

 

God's Beloved when troubles come remember that you are not alone in this world. Reach out to others. Meet someone else's need. Caring for others is healing.