As a pastor of a church, I meet many people for whom life is not going well. If you look around, you find that these needs are everywhere. Maybe you are experiencing a time in life when things aren’t going well.
What do you do during times like these?
First, do something different. You know the old definition of insanity: “doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” I find myself doing exactly that–doing the same thing over and over.
Recently, I determined to do something different about communication. Like you, I receive hundreds of communications–emails, texts, social media notifications, and phone calls. Handling those communications is not easy, but it is important.
I decided to set up a different way to handle my communications and so far it is working beautifully. When life changes, you may have to change with it.
You can read about my troubles with email here: http://waylonbailey.com/2014/03/13/too-many-tos-and-not-enough-dos/
If things aren’t going well for you, I encourage you to try a different way of accomplishing what needs to be done.
Sometimes the thing that needs to be done differently involves how you think and act.
Second, don’t blame the past or what has happened before. It’s easy to get stuck in the past. I suppose you can live in the past. Afterall, people do it all the time. I simply notice that you cannot live well in the past.
Third, live in the present. You cannot change that which has gone before, but you can change how you think of it and how you react to it.
Writing from prison, Paul gave excellent advice about when things don’t go well: “And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. . . .and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4: 8-9, NLT).
May God bless you as you deal with difficult situations.
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6 Responses
I took up your suggestion recently to read Colossions 3 everyday and have begun to study and meditate more on some of the specifics of the verses. I have wondered recently about verses 3:2 which says “Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth.” I clearly understand what Paul was saying in the latter part about not setting my mind on what is on the earth but have thought hard about what he truly meant when he said to set your minds on what is above. I know he had to mean keeping Jesus Christ in thought always but always wondered was there more and what is there above I should st my mind on. Today’s blog might have answered my question and I wanted your thoughts. When Paul said in Philippians 4: 8-9 “Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. . . .and the God of peace will be with you.” Is that what Paul was truly talking about in Colossians? Thank you God for speaking to me through a wonderful Pastor.
Thank you for your affirmation and encouragement. Paul, of course, wrote both passages. A good rule of thumb for Scripture interpretation is to let Scripture interpret Scripture. This is exactly what you are doing.
Thank you……….God has encouraged me greatly today reading your and God’s word.
We have had my Mom with us in our home since July on Hospice, I have been told she isnt declining fast enough so there plan is to release her day after tomorrow. God has His plan which is good , He is faithful.
I miss all of you…..Going to do something different Now ! thank you and God has blessed me with you.
We miss you too. You are doing the good thing. May God bless you.
Hi Pastor my name is Madrine I stay in UAE. A few days back I lost my job just out of the blue because of my manager. I don’t no what is going to happen next because I presented my case to the HR. I decided not to worry because God is in charge of all. His the one who got me this job in the first place and I Believe He will rescue me. I decided to let HIM take charge. Please pray for me as I also pray for you. GOD BLESS YOU
Madrine, thank you for reading and thank you for your prayers.I will pray for you as well. God is faithful, and I know He will provide for all of your needs in Christ Jesus.