God's Reality Vs. Your Own

When you put your emotions into words you lend them a reality they don’t deserve.  Focus on what is real, and that is the Lord's unfailing love for you.  Every circumstance of your life must be viewed in the light of your knowledge of His great love, else you will draw erroneous conclusions.  You will, in short, build your house on sand rather than rock.  It is always safe to assume your circumstances have come to you through the filter of God's love for you.  Operate from this premise and you will remain true, your course sure, your focus accurate. 

News Stories

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Stories of disasters “far removed from your tent” serve no purpose at all for you.  The only possible benefit would be if you used your knowledge of a "Bad Thing That Happened" to intercede for those who have been hurt. Unless the Lord calls you to minister in this way, do not read stories with upsetting or sensationalized headlines.  Spiritually this is an almost literal opening of a can of worms; the niggling little imps of fear that make their way into your heart and mind are worm-like and parasitic.  
 

The news stories you read are sensationalized in that you do not know the full scope of details.  There is rarely a crime or an accident that is as horrific in reality as it appears in print. Most are none of your concern. 

  

None of the softening nuances of the Holy Spirit’s presence enter into news stories.  He doesn’t show up on film.  Factual accounts do not include Him.  And yet God's Spirit is the most real aspect of any trial borne by those who are loved by Him. 

 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).  

Dwell in Joy Not Sorrow

 Don’t waste time hating suffering your loved ones have endured; rejoice in their deliverance.  Don’t rehearse pain that has past, dwell in the joy that is present.  Don’t fear the trials of the future, rest in the confidence of God's sculpting hand and His presence there.  

 The Lord says, "I am with you.  I am with those you love.  Be at peace, and rest."  

Scripture:  "For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land" (Song of Solomon 2:11-13 KJV).

Don't Depend on Emotions

 Do the work before you, and do not depend on your emotions as a gauge for “how things really are.”  

The word "emotion" is not used in the Bible* because you are to depend on what you know to be true and act accordingly.  If you are in a situation not to your liking, it is because the Lord has placed you there.  If you have been hurt, God knows of your pain and has made provision for you.  Look for His provision and keep your eyes off the injustices you've suffered; these things are God's business and not yours. 

Scripture:  "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:1,10).

*NIV 

God Will Take Action on Your Behalf

The Lord hears the cries of the oppressed, he sees injustice, and He answers the prayers of those who cry out to Him with broken hearts.  This is why it is better to be wronged, weak, and yet obedient; these things assure that the Lord will intervene for you.  And how astoundingly, amazingly, sweet to know that the God who controls the wind and the lightning is taking action on your behalf!  That sweetness is now yours and will be yours in increasing measure in the future.  You can trust Him to make things right; all the desires of your heart are safe in His hands.  

Avoid Solitude

The best songs are written in the midst of life, as the result of living.  The least valuable songs come from solitude and reflection.  Use your solitude to pray, write what you learn from the Lord, and live your life in active engagement with others.  In this way you will be productive until the end, and better prepared for eternity.  Yes, Child, living takes energy and dying takes preparation.  God will provide both the energy you need, and the time required for good preparation for the end of earthly life.  The Lord is with you.  

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24-25).  

How to Respond to Disrespect

When you are given little to respect you need to do three things:  One--and this is most important--love (love covers a multitude of shortcomings).  Two, look for the good, no matter how small, and respond to it as though it is the whole person.  And three, remember that since you are in this circumstance, the Lord is the One who has placed you there. 

Do not work hard to love others by attempting to emulate the highest standard of human love you know.  You are to love them as God has loved you.

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).