Look past your pain to find God’s help.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God, Who gives generously to all.” James 1:5 NIV.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “ When Life Goes Awry.”
Life does not always go well. And when it doesn’t, you either react or respond. It is important to know the difference. Do you feel sorry for yourself? Ask why? Assign blame? Accuse God? Panic? Those are normal reactions. I suggest that a Godly response is better. Have a good cry, then seek God for help and wisdom. Look past your pain to find God’s help to recover.
I have learned a practical definition for wisdom: “Wisdom is the ability to see your situation from God’s perspective.” Trouble misdirects your attention and distorts your focus. James described the origin and character of true wisdom in this way, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 NIV.
There is an intriguing story in the early life of David. Already a fugitive sought by King Saul, David and his loyal men returned to their homes only to find that an enemy had raided their village and taken their wives and children as captives. Read 1 Samuel 30:1-20 NIV. What they did can be a pattern for your response when life goes awry.
First, grieving for a loss is normal. Deal with the reality and disappointment. Initially, grief is normal when things happen that you never anticipated. Such moments come into life. Unfair and unanticipated circumstances happen to all, as well as the reality of spiritual attacks calculated to devastate and diminish.
Next, blaming others is unprofitable. Instead of the enemy who caused their pain, they blamed David for their troubles. In your pain it is tempting to blame someone or something, but that only feeds your anger and despair. Avoid the blame game; it is unproductive, isolating you from any help and distracting from your goal, which is hope and recovery.
Redirecting toward recovery is useful. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV. David shifted his focus from what had happened to what could happen. Look past your pain to find God’s help to recover. “David was greatly distressed . . David strengthened himself in the Lord . . David inquired of the Lord . . Pursue: for you will surely overtake them and without fail recover all.” 1 Samuel 30:6-8 NKJV. Note the process for hope and recovery. Read James1:2-8 NIV. Did you notice that trouble is the context for wisdom? I love this definition of Godly wisdom, “Wisdom is the ability to see your situation from God’s perspective.” Oh the difference that makes! That kind of wisdom comes only from God, and is only given to those who ask.
Finally, encouraging yourself in the Lord is essential. The wisest thing is to look to God. God has not and will not disappoint you, and when no one else can, He gives hope and help. “Because God has said, ’Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” Hebrews 13:5-6 NIV.
And when you do, God gives clear direction. Ask God, “What now not why.” Understanding why comes later. God said to David, “Go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you.” 1 Samuel 30:8 NLT. There is nothing uncertain in God’s words. Read the rest of the story, 1 Samuel 30:16-20 NKJV.
From my Dad, I learned, “God will not withhold from you, nor allow anyone else to do so, without making room for something better.” There were painful but profitable times, as yours will be, but that helped me become more of what I could and should be. Both Job and Joseph underscore that truth. Read Job 42:1-17 NKJV and Genesis 50:20-23 NIV. I have found that true. I don’t know what difficulty you might be experiencing, but God does, and there is victory ahead. Romans 8:37-39 NKJV. When life goes awry, look upward and move forward.
Today, I pray for you to look past your pain and find God’s help for full recovery.
Christian Communications 2017-9177