Could this be said of you? It was one of those Sundays when I was struggling. As I settled in my pew, I glanced around at those who were sitting around me. To my left,  I saw a group of teenagers who were laughing with one another as they looked for a place to sit. To my right, I saw several ladies with smiling, animated faces talking with one another. In front of me, I saw a young couple getting their children settled for worship. As for me, I felt all alone. Even though I was surrounded by my church family, I felt like I was the only one dealing with a painful situation in my life. But was that true?

I have come to the realization that “everybody has something.” If they don’t, either they are too young to have experienced life or we may not know them well enough to know their story. There are those who are grieving the loss of loved ones, difficult marriages, rebellious children, financial issues, or health concerns. What we see on the surface may cause us to think that their lives are put together, but underneath the surface, they may be completely overwhelmed by worry, fear, and grief.

When it feels as if life has turned upside down and your heart has been shattered, here are a few things to remember:

• Everyone has troubles. (John 16:33)
• Prayer is a powerful resource (1 John 5:14-15).
• Talking with a trusted friend may help (Proverbs 18:24).
• Get busy doing for others (Galatians 6:2, 10).
• Your blessings far exceed your pain (James 1:17).
• Because of your pain, you can help others who are hurting (2 Corinthians 1:3-7).
• Pain can bring you closer to God ( Psalms 119:71 ).
• As Christians, we have hope that there will be something better (Revelation 21:4, 7).

Remember that you are not alone. Everybody has (or will have) something!  As God’s people, let’s treat each other with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience-(Colossians 3:12). You may never know the depth of pain in another person’s life.