“One of the most beautiful ways for spiritual formation to take place is to let your insecurity lead you closer to the Lord. Natural hypersensitivity can be an asset; it makes you aware of your need to be with people and it allows you to be more willing to look at their needs.”
– Henri Nouwen
Sometimes I feel like a raw nerve ending. It’s more than being an introvert. Visual and auditory distractions seem more demanding and hurtful words seem to go deeper for me than for people who can shrug them off and get back to work with a what’s-your-problem glare of disapproval. It’s not only my own irritations that slow me down, I seem to pick up other people’s emotional stuff and without always realizing that it’s not mine. Merely sensing the atmosphere as I enter a place can make me want to scurry back from whence I came. I may not be constantly overwhelmed, but I am, at the least, perpetually whelmed.
Do you know what I mean? If so, have you ever thanked the Lord that he made you that way and for the privilege of being able to hurt deeply?
I’ve not always been happy to be a sensitive person. Sometimes – no, quite often – I run from it, or try to shut it down, or hold it at arm’s length for scientific evaluation, forgetting the promises Jesus gave of provision to meet not only my needs for consolation, but to give me the ability to comfort others and point them to the One who loves them perfectly.
Self-protection leads to self-absorption and puts distance between us and others. Jesus’ love encourages us to connect, first to him, then to others. Sensitivity makes us capable of experiencing deep joy as well. When I quit blocking out the pain I also quit blocking out the joy – and I hear the Voice of comfort I most need to hear.
It’s our weaknesses that can propel us to the Lord, and it’s his kindness that turns them into strengths.
And by his grace, I am still subject to change.
I am at peace and even take pleasure in any weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and afflictions for the sake of the Anointed because when I am at my weakest, He makes me strong. (2 Corinthians 12:11 The Voice)
Thank you, Lord.
Charis: Subject to Change 
oh yes! 🙂
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🙂
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I’m not one who feels such things often. But I’m so glad there are people like you who do.
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How encouraging. That’s not the usual response. Thank you.
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this really helps clear things up for me…i always thought i was strange and way too sensitive, so i tried hard to shove those feelings down. throught he years i’ve been trying to find the happy medium between being oversensitive and not shutting down..i’m def a work in progress lol…
great eye-opening post! thanks for sharing…
you’ve got a follower now 🙂
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You are wonderfully made – and He absolutely adores you, you know.
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aww, thanks 🙂
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Selah, you’re never strange or too sensitive. You’re exactly right and a blessing to everyone you encounter. I am a witness. 😀
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oh Faith, that’s so sweet…thank you so much for your kind words…you made my night 😉 ty ty ty
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It’s one of the heavenly tools for gathering information for prayer that builds the bridges and arcs that help propell others in need into and on to there destiny so Father can take hold and fine tune them as always planed to run there coarse of personally perfected plans unfolding of Fathers perfected design…
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He has plans, and we all play a part. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, Dorian. I appreciate it.
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Wow. Thank you, and thanks to Praying Medic ( for linking it on facebook). This puts words to what I often experience and encourages me in the direction of wisdom for stewarding what God has placed in me rather than reacting to it out of shame.
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So glad it’s helpful. And so glad for Praying Medic. What a guy, eh?
Blessings on your journey, Bill. May you be gentled by Abba’s tender heart for you.
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This is something I’ve pondered as well. I struggle sometimes to trust the Lord’s strength in this weakness. This is something I pray to grow in 🙂
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I hear you, Teague. I think there’s a difference between feeling deeply and taking offense. Sensitive people are often accused of choosing to be offended when we may just be reeling from the intensity of feelings. On the other hand, we may actually be taking offense because we are relying on people or things other than God to provide our peace. It’s a good thing the Lord hears our prayers. Trying to do this without him would just be crazy.
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Charis, have you heard of a gifting called Prophetic Feeler? (its also a person who was on Facebook and taught a lot about the gift – the difficulties and the strengths) You might enjoy the blog. http://propheticfeeler.blogspot.com/
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Thank you. The author has some excellent insights.
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