Because sometimes I simply can't show what I'm thinking when other people are around. It simply wouldn't be polite, for starters. Speaking my mind would get me into far more trouble that I'd like. So I clam up.
But I know I have a problem with this.
Because I really struggle with letting it out later and dealing with it. Keeping it locked up within is simply bad for my health.
Take the other week. I was so angry about something that had happened, that it got to the stage that I simply could not think straight. It took all the strength and determination I had to sit there and endure, repressing my negative feelings because it wasn't an appropriate moment to share them. It wouldn't have been the right time.
So I had to 'suck it up'. Bury it. Put on the mask. Wear that poker face...
But was it easy to try and get it out of my system once everyone had disappeared? Nope.
And I know I have to rid myself of the bitterness... it can't sit there, unresolved. It took about an hour or two of intense examination and deliberate refocussing of my feelings in order to get back on an even keel.
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Father, I acknowledge that I've held resentment and bitterness against the person who made me feel that way. I confess this as sin and ask you to forgive me. I forgive (the person). Remind me, Lord, to not hold any more resentments, but rather to love this person. Father, I ask you to also forgive them.
Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus' name, Amen.
