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
Heartland Precepts 