In my world, the past few weeks seem to have mostly been filled with clouds and rain with a better than average chance of maple tree helicopter seeds. If we did get a day without rain, everyone and their brother was slogging it out in the yard to try to keep the grass in check, or clearing water from their basements. The week ahead looks wet as well. Coupled with other daily challenges, it may be enough to get you down. It might not be as bad as everyone complains about, but when you get stuck in a rut of disappointing things, whether weather, illness, difficulties at work, trouble with relationships, or other life events, it can be easy to become discouraged. What is your response when the storms come and life gets you down?
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Sometimes when things seem bad, out of control, or heading in the wrong direction, I play the worst-case scenario game. You come up with a way in which the situation could be worse, because it always can, and it makes the current mess seem less tragic. I’m not trying to belittle the current situation, but more so, trying to be thankful for the things that are going well, or counting my blessings, so to speak. I’m sure you know people in your life, where everything is a drama, whether minor or major issues. There are those that seem to roll with the punches better than others as well. Not to downplay discouragement, but there are also those who also struggle with significant depression, which can threaten livelihoods and lives. Be aware of this in those around you.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
What is your first response in an unexpected emergency, whether work related changes, or something more significant? Do you come up with the best solution right away, or consult others on what options you have? How often do you give it to God, or at least ask for guidance in your next steps? It may not always be your first response, but when we pray, it takes some of the pressure out of the situation. Often when I ask for guidance, help, or answers from God, it helps put the situation I perspective, as often it is not the worst thing that I could be dealing with. Often, the urgency of the situation can also be tempered with hope and a direction to start walking.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Isaiah 53:3
Lastly, you have a friend who can identify with you in your pain and suffering. We fist think of the poin and suffering Christ went through surrounding the crucifixion, but that was just part of it. He was rejected by many during his lifetime, whether the religious elite, or the folks from his hometown. He was betrayed by one of his disciples, and rejected by people he met each day. But he was not only seeking fame and the praise of other men, but only of his Father in Heaven. Yet, by doing this, he is the most famous person to have walked the earth. Let him be our example whether it is raining or the son is shining in our lives today!
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
Yours in Christ,
Clark
