Archive for June, 2023
When Trouble Comes – And It Will
Into every life some rain must fall – – – and it does.
Into every life sorrow must come – – – and it does.
No one wants pain, grief, sorrow, and difficulty, I surely don’t, but no one is immuned. Therefore, in approaching this new year, expect it and prepare for it.
My deceased friend, Jerry Clower, got news one evening that one of their children was in critical care at the hospital as a result of a bad car accident. He said as he drove to the hospital he kept praying, “Lord help me to respond like I have always encouraged others to in dire circumstances.”
When trouble comes we should accept it as the norm for everyone. We should not live with an expectant attitude, but with the realization it is part of life. Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.” He forewarned us.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to.” (I Peter 4: 12)
In proposing the following response to trials, I don’t want to be too simplistic. “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” (James 1: 2 – 4)
This does not mitigate the pain, but it does give it purpose.
Nowhere in the Bible does it say God won’t give us more than we can handle. That idea comes from His promise He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to respond properly.
Unfortunately there are things we can’t handle. Fortunately He will help us, and actually enable us to handle them. He is able.
There is an old hymn with a line that identifies one strengthening principle. It is, “Take your burden to the Lord, and leave it there.” This requires two actions on your behalf. First, taking it to the Lord, and the second, leaving it there. Resolve as did Job, “When I am tried I will come forth as gold.” We, too, need to have this optimistic outlook for the stresses that we face as this will help us triumph through the most difficult of circumstances.
Yet another song gives us constructive insight:
“I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own.”
The path of positive perseverance leads though troubles not around them.
Another old hymn asks: “Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? No, there’s a cross for everyone and there’s a cross for me!”
The hours of adversity are some of the best times to share Jesus by giving others a live action version of the Bible. A “Woe is me” attitude has never attracted anyone to Jesus. A demonstration of the fact He is able to give strength for the trial has drawn others to Jesus. Live your faith to light the way for others.
Frustration
Breaking news: “You are not the only one who gets frustrated.”
Frustration is a little child who has beaten on a locked door until exhausted and finally sits down and cries. Have you been there? Sure, all of us have been.
When that which promises to be exhilarating proves to be exasperating, we end up frustrated.
Webster defines frustration as “a deep chronic sense of insecurity arising from unresolved problems.”
You know that from your own experience. It is when you want something or want to do something real badly and things happen that just step in your way and shout “NOT.”
You have seen it, or perhaps you have been the one seen, whose plans are frustrated and you go ballistic.
Youth experience it when they get all jacked up and life kicks out the jack, causing a big letdown.
Frustration is Moses coming to a much-needed spring of water and finding it dry, starts beating on the rock with his rod.
It is John who gets fed up with the opposition and asks Jesus to call down fire from heaven on them.
Do you ever feel as frustrated as the fellow who bought a new boomerang and had trouble throwing the old one away?
We cause our frustrations because of what and how we think… Solomon wisely wrote: “As a man thinks in his heart so is he” (Proverbs 23:7).
When you feel your frustration building there is an escape valve, a release point: “Cast your burden on the Lord and He shall sustain you…” (Psalms 55:22).
You can express frustrations to the Lord. He cares for you. Talk to Him about it as though He doesn’t know about it. The good news is not only does He know about it, He knows what to do about it.
In the event your frustration is caused by a person or persons Dale Carnegie offers this advice: “Stop a minute to contrast your keen interest in your own affairs with your mild concerns about anything else. Realize then, that everybody else in the world feels exactly the same way! Then… you will have grasped the only solid foundation for interpersonal relationships; namely, that success in dealing with people depends on a sympathetic grasp of the other person’s viewpoint.”
That is a friendly reminder that everyone, everyone, has a load to carry. Perhaps the person by whom you are being frustrated is doing so because of their own covert frustration. Therefore, if you respond in a negative or critical way you are only compounding the problem. You can ameliorate their and your own frustration by acts and/or expressions of grace. “In honor preferring one another.” (Romans 12:10)
Jesus offered this coping concept, “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” (Matt. 7:12)