HAPPY MONDAY!
Difficult current events prompt today’s word-of-the-week…
RESPOND
Of course we’re sad.
Confused. Afraid. Angry. Hopeless.
God’s not surprised by events that we find beyond comprehension. And He’s not offended by the range of emotions that rush over us.
Jesus came, not so we would deny our feelings, but so we could face them, deal with them, and move forward with confidence.
Feeling confused because events just don’t fit your notion of how things ought to work? What if our response is to trust that God really is in control, that He sees from a broader perspective, that His kingdom is at hand?
Feeling afraid? What If we respond to Jesus’ words (Matthew 14:27), “Take courage. I am. Don’t be afraid.” What if we decided not to live in fear?
Feeling hopeless? What if we ask ourselves if this is an opportunity? What if this is a chance to respond by believing that God keeps His promises. That’s what hope is–a confident expectation that God will keep His promises.
Angry? As Stephen was about to die as the church’s first martyr, he refused to seek vengeance. Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” (Acts 7:60)
What if our response is trust, courage, hope, and forgiveness?
What would it look like if we choose to shine that kind of light into the darkness?
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr
It’s Monday. Maybe a good week to refuse to let feelings rule.
Have a great week.