Dear Friend…

Dear Friend,

I see your pain. I know it is hard to walk away and to forgive.

When I focus on the careless or even mean words of the people around me, I can let anger and pain rule my life. After watching the news and soaking in the fear and chaos of the world, I feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. Or when I mess up again and dwell on it, I get discouraged and anxious. I can let my emotions run wild until I am miserable.

What is to be done? 

God tells us not to fear or be troubled when peace by world’s definition fails (John 14:27). But that trusting in God’s peace can give us courage even when there is suffering and distress in our lives (John 16:33). Maybe this is why the peace of God surpasses our comprehension (Philippians 4:7).

So then, what should be our response to difficult times? 

We need to look to God and find our joy in Him-praying, giving thanks, and making our requests known to Him (Philippians 4:4,6). Knowing that grace and peace come from God. (Romans 1:7) and it is multiplied to us in the knowledge of God and our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

What should be our response to people whom it seems their goal is to make our lives difficult?

We need to pursue peace with them (Psalm 34:14). Show kindness, act with humility, give them a blessing, not insult them (1 Peter 3:8-9). We must depart from our negative nature desires and do good for them (Psalm 34:14). We do this not because they deserve it, but because God through Christ has done good for us and we are to follow in His example (Luke 6:35, Ephesians 5:2). Then we can trust the peace of God to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

Your loving friend,

Sherry

Author: Sherry

Sherry is Precept Upon Precept Inductive Study trained leader. She is the Women's Ministry Director and leads women’s bible studies at her church in Bellevue, Nebraska. Sherry also writes materials for and speaks at women’s retreats. She and her husband have recently relocated to the Midwest after living on the East Coast for fifteen years and enjoy spending weekends in Kansas at the family farm. View all posts by Sherry