Truthbomb Tuesday: Numbing Isn’t Healing

I think we’ve all done it—had a long, emotional day and thought, I just need to zone out for a bit. So we scroll. We snack. We binge-watch. We convince ourselves it’s “self-care.” But here’s the truthbomb: numbing isn’t healing—it’s avoidance dressed up as rest.

I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. There’s a huge difference between resting and escaping. Rest restores your body and mind. Numbing just hits pause on the pain. And when you unpause, the same feelings are still there—just a little louder, a little heavier.

The hard truth is that real healing asks something of us. It asks us to stay present when we’d rather check out. It asks us to sit with the ache long enough to understand what it’s trying to tell us. Because the only way through it is through it.

And here’s the part that gives me hope: God doesn’t meet us in our pretending. He meets us in our honesty. When you let Him into the hard stuff—when you stop hiding behind busyness or distraction—He doesn’t shame you. He gently reminds you that He’s not afraid of your mess.

Try This

1. Notice your numbing: When you’re reaching for your favorite distraction, pause and ask, “What am I trying not to feel right now?” Sometimes naming it is enough to soften it.

2. Trade numbing for nurturing: Go for a walk, stretch, journal, or sit with someone safe. You don’t have to process it all—just let yourself feel seen.

3. Give it to God in real time: When you feel that urge to escape, whisper, “Lord, I don’t want to run from this. Help me stay with You in it.”

Inviting God

• Ask: What pain am I trying to numb instead of letting You heal?

• Reflect: Where in my life do I confuse numbing with peace?

• Scripture to sit with: Psalm 34:18 (NIV) — “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Let’s Connect

Leave a comment or reach out to me via the website—let’s talk about how this has sparked your desire for better living. I’ll see you back here tomorrow for Wellness Wednesday. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any future posts.

If today’s message spoke to you, you’ll love my book My Pocket Counselor—it offers perspective-shifting truth and faith-filled guidance to help you grow emotionally and spiritually, one step at a time.