One of the best techniques used for children when they are upset or angry is redirection. I am no expert but I can recall when I had a family child care business as a young mother in Germany, we were taught that redirection was a tool we could use to calm the anxious child or comfort the sad infant.
As children of GOD, I strongly believe that the LORD uses this same strategy today. When we are on the verge of being swallowed up in grief, sadness, or anything which is opposite of the joy we should have, He will redirect our attention to what is true, kind, just, pure, lovely, and good. In Philippians 4:8 the apostle Paul exhorts the church:
“Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things (NIV).”
This can be a life-saving concept because so many people are hurting and feel they cannot see their way out of the storms and tribulations they face -- but GOD. Globally there has been so much grief and sadness and we as the light of the world should redirect people to the saving grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit.
I am here to encourage you today that the LORD Jesus Christ went through so much pain and was able to do so because he kept everything in perspective. He was able to endure all that came against Him because He was so wrapped up in the mission for which The Father sent Him.
We must do the same. We must learn to redirect our minds when the enemy comes in like a flood. The Bible is an invaluable resource of wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, and war strategies.
Since the battle is in our minds, we must learn to identify when our thoughts are aligned with the Word, and then cast down all thoughts which take us to sad, depressed, and hopeless places. It can be difficult to identify this at first so we must pray for discernment to be able to identify when our thoughts have taken the wrong turn.
We are in control of our minds, they should not control us!
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the LORD and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). It is not our might but the LORD’s that will help us in these uncertain and grievous times.
But like anything we want to perfect, we must be consistent and intentional. If we do not intentionally begin to identify poisonous thoughts, we will continue to be tossed to and fro with every fiery dart the enemy sends our way. We can put on the armor of GOD and appropriate each piece with its corresponding purpose. The helmet of salvation is absolutely necessary because the enemy will try and question your salvation. He tempted Jesus in the wilderness by questioning if He was the Son of GOD. But I digress.
I was thinking about some of the things my mother endured and began to see that the reason the LORD allows us to see things that others go through is so we can learn. We do not have to learn things from experience, though we can choose this route if we want. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, our minds are illuminated so we are empowered to break patterns that have been in our families for generations and pull down strongholds that have limited the LORD in our lives.
Blessed be the name of the LORD who daily loads us with benefits, even the GOD of our salvation. Blessed be the name of the LORD.
While pain is an inescapable part of life, it can produce quite a harvest of blessings for us and those around us, if we allow it.
For example, many who have been impacted by drunk drivers often use their stories to educate others on this matter and offer support to those who have gone through the same pain. By educating others about the impact this type of loss can have, a painful situation is no less painful but purpose has been born out of it.
Think about Ruth, Hannah, King David, the Apostle Paul, and countless others who experienced the transforming power of the LORD even in difficult and uncomfortable seasons of their lives. Their decision to trust in the LORD turned their lives around because they were able to see the benefit in what they were walking through. These people did not have superpowers but they operated in super faith! The LORD is not a respecter of persons, but He is a respecter of faith!
Their faith was evident in their works, giving them a testimony to the faithfulness of GOD. They still encourage countless others today. We can read their stories and know that we have the same GOD. He has not changed. We can rely on Him and trust His Word!
I strongly believe this is why our loving Father and Savior Jesus Christ allow such life-altering events in people’s lives. The greater good that can come from a painful situation can help avert these same events from happening to others.
Ever since sin entered the world, everything has been out of balance. Think of it as a rogue variable in an algorithm. Even nature is recorded to moan and groan for the manifestation of the children of GOD in Romans 8:19-23. Understanding this will help us understand why bad things happen to good people. Though there is no such thing as a good person, there are baffling situations that leave us asking why sometimes. While all of us have free will, we are not free from the consequences that often come from our actions.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.
We know that whatever season we are in, it will pass. No pain will last forever, though it may seem to be never-ending. Let us carry our crosses and share the healing power of the LORD Jesus Christ with the world. We can be victorious and purposeful in our lives no matter the trials and tribulations we face.
Like King David, we must learn to encourage ourselves in the LORD (Psalm 42). We cannot always tell when GOD is working on our behalf, but we know that He will avenge us of all enemies because He says that vengeance belongs to Him (Hebrews 10:30). We also know that all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His will and purpose.
For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people Hebrews 10:30.
I challenge you to find a way to bring glory to GOD in spite of the pain you may be enduring at this time. Is it the loss of a family member, financial stress, physical pain in your body, depression, or anxiety? None of these have to rule your life because Jesus Christ sent us The Holy Spirit to guide, direct, deliver and counsel us. Go into your prayer closet and ask the LORD how you can give Him glory in spite of what you face. Get into your Word and write down some specific scriptures that encourage you.
Psalm 23 is a scripture I use frequently to remind myself that I am dependent on Christ, not myself. He is my Shepherd and He said I would not want or lack. If I don’t have it then I must not need it, and if I need it, He will provide it. He keeps His Word and I lack nothing.
When overwhelmed with grief, I remind myself that those who die in Christ are not gone forever and we will meet again. I also love Romans 8:28 when the enemy tries to whisper lies into my ear. We know that all things work together for good[a] for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
GOD loves us and He gets no pleasure from our pain and struggles, but like a good parent, He teaches us how to cope and trust Him while the god of this world is still accusing us day and night before Him.
Please share any pain or struggle you have to help others, and GOD bless you!
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