Weary of spinning wheels?
How do you refresh?
Do you call for help, shutdown, restart?
We need courage to ask for help and direction. Vulnerability, time and financial cost may be factors. Greed, indifference, conceit, pride, fear of not liking another opinion—whatever the reason—unwillingness to take advice may stem from stubborn insistence of being right which trumps everything. The unheard one may be labeled troublemaker, uneducated or worthless and should be ignored, scoffed, bawled out or shunned. These harsh examples and others more subtle, are summed up in one word: sin. Undesirable thoughts, words and deeds show up in ugly ways at inopportune times and cause damaging cycles which are hard to break.
Whether the task is learning a new tech device or trying to handle a personal issue, repeating the same unsuccessful action isn’t changing a thing. Perhaps blame is projected elsewhere, unaware of our own part in the problem. Discovering what’s wrong and working toward the remedy to resolve it may not happen. Things (and people) sometimes break down or wear out and die, never realizing. Failures remind us to pause the dream and face reality. By faith, we may pray.
Help, Lord! I realize I don’t know what I’m doing. Forgive my impatient, resentful thoughts … and all of my faults which I’m unaware. I’m grateful Your comforting love goes before me and all people in this confusing and frustrating world. I pray, Holy Spirit, draw me near, mediate, bless me with wisdom, discernment and lead me where and how you want me. I trust You are right here with me now and always. Thank you for centering me among brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Curiosity inspires research online, browsing forums or initiating a chat. We can ask a librarian, friend, pastor, whoever is beside us in Bible study class, or a total stranger at the gas station. Oddly, there’s comfort in discovery that others wonder the same or similar thing. We’re grateful for people who admit they’re not sure what to say and those who share wisdom—they’re more helpful than they realize. Frustrating are those whose efforts (or lack of) cause more trouble than support. All people, loved by God, fall on both sides of the fence as we wander through life. By grace, we’re privileged to keep at moving forward—to pray for each other and ourselves.
When the idea of interrupting someone with my problem was all it took for a bell to ring, ding-ding—a light bulb moment—or when a conclusion surprisingly surfaces before the person I asked even begins to think, I’m reminded the Lord is in control, thankfully. Feel-good cooperation is real. Inquiries desire the satisfaction of respect and create opportunities. Assistance isn’t an inconvenience, rather, to be asked to share knowledge, wisdom and experience can be taken as a compliment. The day is brightened by working together in a positive way. Appreciation for the other’s enthusiasm and gratitude of a creative idea, quick-fix or honest helpful tip is welcome. Perhaps the question may even help the other gain new perspectives on their own issues.
The limited mind’s ideal result isn’t instant or guaranteed. Could it be that
- having confidence that an answer exists—a solution which doesn’t depend on me
- willingness to voice my concern with eagerness to listen, learn, put into practice
- allowing another (Jesus or one of His messengers) to step-in
is the mix of thoughts and actions which make the faith God gave me effective? I probably won’t discover why things happen the way they do; nor do I need to know the great mysteries of what’s going on
behind the scene of every situation. All I really need to cling to is that God the Father who knows all, planned before the ages began, to send His Son Jesus to
- be lowered to our level, becoming a man birthed by a virgin woman
- teach forgetful people who resist learning to live repentantly
- remain innocently victorious over the tempter
- be abandoned into the hands of evil people who torture and nail him to a cross
- finish the redemptive work
- rise from the grave
- ascend to heaven
- guarantee a solution for all who believe
Perhaps by now, everyone’s had access to our loving Creator’s work by availability of gifts from our gracious risen Christ who makes salvation certain. Faith given by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and the Word of God receives reconciliation with the Father in heaven and enjoys communion within the believing community.
Philemon 6
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| and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. Philemon 6 |
You, who are loved by God, know Jesus has promised to see you through this.
Scripture claims we should expect hard times. Anyone might end up on the receiving end or in the middle of spiritual battles. Bullish dysfunctional negative energy horribly kills trust between people and makes enemies. Distressing struggles emerge in destructive activities, uncontrollable complaining and disturbingly strange silence. Satan’s lies, topped-off with unhealthy temptations, dangerously affect all involved. Jealousy, anger, fear, discontent, entitlement or other characteristics of human nature probably motivate habitual fits and other toxic behaviors which drag others along down into the deep, dark places of self-isolation.
Just as Jesus needed prayerful rest, so do we. He prays for those who mocked, tortured and killed Him, and so can we. When we reach a point of exhaustion, Christ’s prayers, mercy, grace and love for us continues. The world as we know it is not our final home. Our
worry, guilt, sorrow and wounds fall onto Jesus who innocent and
uncomplaining became our Substitute at the cross. Out of love, He rescued us from the punishment we deserve, intercedes with the Father for us
and sent the Counselor to train us in Scripture, constantly
guiding us how to live by grace in peace among those who annoy and hurt us.
Personally seeking help and trying to care for others is good. Realization of the serious need for spiritual and professional care may come, yet in this lifetime, such counseling isn’t always effective. That doesn’t stop God’s love, though. Jesus lifts the weight. When burdens are heavy, Christ’s grace for all involved stands sure. Prayerfully, we allow the Lord to carry us through intense and sad situations. He turns everything into good purposes as He sees fit. In repentant living, there’s forgiveness for failures. Salvation doesn’t rely upon our successes; it all depends on the work of Jesus who never fails. Remembering our loving God’s ways are higher than ours, we pray that the Holy Spirit would work through cravings, deflate desire to control, and pump up the faith in everyone.
We don’t deserve forgiveness, yet are free by the passion of Jesus to forgive one another, blessed to confess our own personal failures and receive grace. Since Christ’s wounds paid for all wrongs, His power heals wounds each time we stumble, stray and suffer. Jesus refreshes us as the Holy Spirit diverts focus away from obsessing over ourselves and the distressful things in life that aren’t ours to fix.
Remembering we’re cleansed by the water of Baptism, its forgiveness creates a cheerful outlook—praise the Lord! By the faith our Creator renews in hearts, Christ’s body and blood given for us in the bread and wine strengthens our hope. We joyfully celebrate the counsel of the Holy Spirit who assures us all things work together for good.
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8Every good fruit of the Spirit within us is a gift of Christ meant to polish what is tarnished and build each other up. Thank the Lord for hurt-healing blessings. Positioned to mingle with generously compassionate, meek people who fully trust the Lord, together we beam the energetic Light of Christ, share genuine love, cherish honesty, speedily forgive, optimistically encourage each other as we continually learn and strive to grow into spiritual maturity.
How is it possible to best handle sticky situations?
Realize God doesn’t operate by standard of human expectations, nor does he lord-over and force us to receive His love and blessings.
By the power God, we confess the faith in Christ. [Please, ask about the faith if you haven’t yet received it.] Repentance receives coverage in God’s love for us. At the cross and empty grave, our Redeemer took the win over the devil, the world and sin. Depending on Christ’s rescue, defense and protection, we prepare for each meal we receive at The Lord’s Table where we hear His Word, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins” which strengthens us every time.
Genuinely effective conversation raises difficult issues kindly, with gentle, patient expectation and warm freedom of the Gospel. Coerced, cold interaction keeps situations icy. Context of a small group safe environment can be helpful, beneficial and useful. Carefully, thoughtfully, in consideration of each other’s points and emotions, welcoming open honesty is about learning what’s on minds and in hearts of each other. If possible, it’s good to get together in-person, taking time during the exchange to read faces and listen well. Effective communication is a lifelong process.
Ineffective conversations, offensive texts, one-time, one-way upsetting talk at the end of the day, just before you want to shut down for rest, aren’t helpful. Lacking empathy is unloving; it causes lingering confusion that questions sincerity and motive. We cover more ground when we take time to discuss and apologize for specifics, than over-generalizing. Sorrow based on being caught rather than the actual wrongs done, as well as vague brevity about complex problems, suggest hidden issues exist. Being hardened, stubborn, or blind to the damage we cause keeps relationships functioning in superficially dull mode. When prescribed, an obligatory apology under compulsion—hesitantly, reluctantly insincerely given—holds onto lies stuffed into a grudge.
If you ask someone if they forgive you and they say yes—thankfully receive what is said. Pray the Holy Spirit would open your (and the other’s) eyes, ears, mind, and heart for discernment. Certainly, God allows difficulties to accomplish His will for everyone. Wait, refresh, reboot, repeat—comforted that as brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re reconciled to God. No one’s born an expert at relationships. Throughout life’s experiences, God causes growth in Christ. As each of us learn valuable lessons, we exchange in the family of Church—not forcing, but appealing to people in the Gospel.
Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you— Philemon 8
Everyone gets mentally, emotionally, bodily and spiritually weary.
Redeemed in Jesus, we patiently long to mend brokenness, animosity, hard feelings and nervous tension. Christ forgives us; so qualities of the faith include spontaneously forgiving others quickly, by grace which provides healing, love, good feelings and confidence to trust one another for uplifting experiences.
Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ. Philemon 20
There’s no isolation in the giving and receiving God’s compassionate goodness. Grace makes space in places of rest, relaxation, positive energy and affirmation. Tis So Sweet to trust and remember What a Friend we Have in Jesus. He walks us into opportunities to communicate with experienced Christians who are full to overflowing in rich goodness of the Word of God. With freedom to find a church nearby, we can connect with people where there’s always more to be opened for us. All people need to continuously hear about Jesus who became sin to provide mercy for us. Repentant, supportive, and prayers of gratitude are lifted in the Church.
The process of God is always working. When we share His forgiving truth, His power changes us to grow in the knowledge of His Word. The Holy Spirit prompts activity of His design for us to function effectively well. Salvation is not on us, Jesus prays for us when we don’t know what to pray. Christ is the only and final answer for every good thing occurring right now. Baptism frees us to live as a new creation in Him. Heaven is open to all believers in His promise. Risen Jesus will return in person with full authority to gather together believers to enjoy peace forever, at the very instant of eternity when evil, sin, tears of pain and death will be completely wiped away!
