We have this saying in our house - “don’t ‘numb out’.”
You probably know this intuitively. It’s simply that moment, that tendency - when it’s getting tough - to say inwardly “heck with it”, to give up, to disengage, pull away, and to close your heart.
But here’s the deal, it’s the opposite of what Paul is taking about in 2 Corinthians 6:11-13:
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“We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange - I speak as to my children - open wide your hearts also.”
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When difficulties come - when something is hard, when there’s a disagreement, or a relationship is combative - you and I have a choice: to open wide our hearts or to “numb out.”
We men are particularly good at “numbing out”...it plays right into our apathetic flesh tendencies.
“Numbing out” can lead to escapism from the home, addictions, and a calloused and bitter heart that creates emotional distance from others.
The challenge to you today Dad - is to ask yourself where you’ve “numbed out.”
Then, take it before the feet of Jesus, ask Him to help deal with any pain, and ask Him to help open wide your heart where it was closed off.
Your family needs you. ALL OF YOU. That includes the “numbed out” parts of you that need to come back to life and be healed.
Don’t numb out. You’ve got this!