Be Kind

Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

We heard these verses in church Sunday. It was a nice reminder to exude the same kindness and mercy to others that Christ gives to us.

People aren’t always going to say or do things that we like, but it’s important to remember that we’ve done the same – more than a few times. God is still kind to us, so we should do our best to be kind to others.

Have a great day.

Where Were You?

‘But I wonder, where were you? When I was at my worst, down on my knees? And you said you had my back, so I wonder where were you?’

If you listen to pop music, you know these are lyrics from the song ‘Maps’ by Maroon 5. It’s a song that has absolutely nothing to do with what I’m going to write about, but just stay with me here for a minute.

Right now, there are a lot of people hurting about a lot of things. Perhaps something fairly recent, or something that happened a long time ago.

It could have been the loss of a loved one, a job, a relationship, your health, financial well-being…anything. Whatever it might have been, the hurt is still there and along with it, frustration and even anger.

Sometimes, traumatic or significantly stressful events can lead to a loss of faith and a turn away from God. After all, where were you God? When I was at my worst, down on my knees? Why would you do something like that? If you really loved me, why did you make me sick or take that person away from me? Why me? Why don’t you listen to me? How could you let that happen?

I love God deeply…but I would be lying if I said I’ve never thought these types of things in the past. I can remember nights yelling at God, being upset about my circumstances, and wondering why it seemed like He wasn’t doing anything or why He wasn’t listening.

Let’s face it, there are times when it can feel like God’s just not there.

But He is there, and the reason for writing this post is to encourage anyone who’s experienced something difficult that is testing your faith or that has even caused you to throw your hands up with God.

Things don’t always make sense. Life is definitely not ‘fair’ as we would call it. I am not trying to minimize the pain you are experiencing, nor can I understand exactly how you’re feeling or what you’re going through.

But I can speak from personal experience in saying that, God will lift you up when you can’t lift yourself up. He will bring you out of valleys and let you stand on top of mountains. He will never, ever give up on you and He does have a good plan for your life. These aren’t just feel-good words to fill up a blog post…it’s the truth.

Deuteronomy 31:8
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

So I’d just encourage you today to reach out to God, whether it’s been a long time or if you never have. It doesn’t mean things will magically get better right away. He’s not a genie in a bottle who just grants wishes. But God does listen to our prayers. He hears the cries of the brokenhearted. And, He will get you through whatever you’re going through.

Psalm 107:6
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.

And if you never have before, you don’t have to be an ordained minister or know the ‘right words’ to pray – just talk to God. He will hear you.

If you want/need someone to pray for you, I would love to do that. Either leave a comment below or if you’d prefer to stay anonymous, just click the ‘Contact’ link at the top of my blog and email me.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read this today. Have a great day and remember, God loves you!

You Know the Feeling (But You Can Do Something About It)

You know the feeling.

It could be big or small, but someone just did something that hurt you. Careless words were said. A friend just cancelled plans with you, and it’s not the first time it’s happened. Your husband or wife is doing that one thing that really drives you nuts. Someone just failed to meet your expectations in some way. You got dumped. Someone cut you off in traffic. Your boss overlooked you for a promotion. It can be major or it can be minor, but the list goes on and on.

As I said before, you know the feeling when this stuff happens. Let me see if this covers it: sadness, anger, frustration, resentment, rejection, bitterness, and maybe even the tiniest desire to be spiteful or try to get some sort of revenge.

Sound familiar?