Pain is often easier to process using anger, victimization, passing blame, and finding a bad guy. It’s easier to be mad, vengeful and bitter than to choose hope and love. To choose hope and love requires sacrificing my fleshly desire to stew. I have to give up those thoughts racing through my mind. I have to silence accusation. I have to choose to think about things that are lovely and pure. (Philippians 4:8) Thankfulness. I have to be thankful in the midst of pain. James even said to “consider it all joy.” (James 1:2-4)
It’s not easy to lay down your stones. It actually requires a lot of humbling of yourself. To just admit it hurts, not find fault in another, take responsibility for what’s yours and keep moving is not for the faint of heart.
It’s not easy to lay down your stones. It actually requires a lot of humbling of yourself. To just admit it hurts, not find fault in another, take responsibility for what’s yours and keep moving is not for the faint of heart.
But what I hear the Lord reminding me is this: You are not a victim to your circumstances.
But what I hear the Lord reminding me is this: You are not a victim to your circumstances.
What does that mean, exactly? It’s a reminder that I’m powerful. It’s a reminder that discomfort won’t kill me and I do not have to succumb to my desire to dwell on it. I am powerful enough to make it through. I have what it takes because I have the Holy Spirit.
It is important to feel pain or disappointment. When I feel the urge to run, I must say no and choose instead to stare it down; choose to face the weight of disappointments. Why? Because running makes my pain big and powerful while simultaneously making me small and timid. I can not move past it by running away from it. But God says I’m not a victim. Therefore, I have what it takes to stare pain in the face, acknowledge it’s existence, and make it feel small in my powerful gaze. The tables have turned. I will not allow discomfort, frustrations, and unsettling to cause fear. Instead, I shall face it and let God fight on my behalf.
There’s a saying which goes something like this: it’s okay to cry, weep, sob, mourn; but when you’re done, do not cry over the same thing twice. This is not accurate in every instance, of course. However, it carries a lot of truth if you’re dealing with disappointment, discouragement or frustration. It’s good to get it out. It’s good to talk to someone and process what you’re going through. But if you sit there and dwell, it becomes a temper tantrum. That’s where thankfulness and pure, lovely thoughts come in. If you choose to cry again, let it be over a new perspective or deeper aspect you hadn’t yet processed. Don’t reiterate the old lies or issues. Move on.
Have we forgotten who our God is? He is the God of promises. He is the Good and Faithful One. He is the One who holds our Future. Confess the areas of distrust and lean into Him. His arms are big enough to hold us. He is not afraid to work on our hearts. Hold onto what He’s told you and do not let anything the enemy throws at you steal your promises or your joy. No trial, no matter how big or small, is worth the cost we have to pay to cower to lies of hopelessness.
What does that mean, exactly? It’s a reminder that I’m powerful. It’s a reminder that discomfort won’t kill me and I do not have to succumb to my desire to dwell on it. I am powerful enough to make it through. I have what it takes because I have the Holy Spirit.
It is important to feel pain or disappointment. When I feel the urge to run, I must say no and choose instead to stare it down; choose to face the weight of disappointments. Why? Because running makes my pain big and powerful while simultaneously making me small and timid. I can not move past it by running away from it. But God says I’m not a victim. Therefore, I have what it takes to stare pain in the face, acknowledge it’s existence, and make it feel small in my powerful gaze. The tables have turned. I will not allow discomfort, frustrations, and unsettling to cause fear. Instead, I shall face it and let God fight on my behalf.
There’s a saying which goes something like this: it’s okay to cry, weep, sob, mourn; but when you’re done, do not cry over the same thing twice. This is not accurate in every instance, of course. However, it carries a lot of truth if you’re dealing with disappointment, discouragement or frustration. It’s good to get it out. It’s good to talk to someone and process what you’re going through. But if you sit there and dwell, it becomes a temper tantrum. That’s where thankfulness and pure, lovely thoughts come in. If you choose to cry again, let it be over a new perspective or deeper aspect you hadn’t yet processed. Don’t reiterate the old lies or issues. Move on.
Have we forgotten who our God is? He is the God of promises. He is the Good and Faithful One. He is the One who holds our Future. Confess the areas of distrust and lean into Him. His arms are big enough to hold us. He is not afraid to work on our hearts. Hold onto what He’s told you and do not let anything the enemy throws at you steal your promises or your joy. No trial, no matter how big or small, is worth the cost we have to pay to cower to lies of hopelessness.
So today I remind you, His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:23)
So today I remind you, His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:23) You are not a victim. You are powerful and full of the glory of God. You can face whatever is before you. He is gracious to answer your prayers. He is faithful till the end. He will finish the good work He began in you. (Philippians 1:6) Seasons are real. This too shall pass. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)