When It Hurts

Sometimes life hurts.

People can be cruel, circumstances don't go our way, loved ones get sick, incomes are lost.  Being in the ministry, constantly surrounded by church goers, does not make me immune to the pain that this life can bring, and unfortunately, being in ministry does not mean that everyone is nice and loving.  No matter how hard you work at genuinely loving people, you will not always be loved back.

The fact is, we live in a fallen world, full of fallen people.  No one is perfect, and even when I like to try and convince myself otherwise, this includes me.  And so what do we do when it hurts?  When we have been wronged?

The easy answer would be to act likewise and really show them what they did.  But this will not make things better, and more importantly, is not Christ-like behavior.  Instead, turn to the Lord.  He is a comforter and a friend, and His love never fails.

"The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all."  Psalm 34:17-19

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

And then, we must keep things in perspective.  As unfortunate as it is to be mistreated or hurt (especially when it happens in the church), God has things under control.  And one day, they will have to stand before a holy and righteous God and give an account for their actions, just like I will.  So I cannot worry or focus on what other people are doing or saying.  God will deal with them.  All I can do is continue to love them, and remind myself that I am a sinner just as they are.

"But I will keep on hoping for you to help me; I will praise you more and more. I will tell everyone about your righteousness. All day long I will proclaim your saving power, for I am overwhelmed by how much you have done for me. I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD. I will tell everyone that You alone are just and good...Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with you, O God? You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth. You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again."  Psalms 71:14-16, 19-21

And I will continue to press on in what God has called me to do, and never stop praising Him for His marvelous love, comfort and peace that only He can bring!!