We must be kind, for everyone we meet is surely fighting a great battle. Can we envision a better state of affairs in the human psyche? We must always remember that we are never alone in our burdens. We should never fear evil tidings. That would only be defeat for you and me. Everything and anything you deal with is not uncommon to mankind. Let not your heart be troubled any longer; neither let it be afraid (John 14: 27). Whether you contend with financial woes, major depressive illness, constant worry, or a boss who is not fair at all, know that even your particular crisis is nothing before the master. Who is this master? It is called self-confidence.
Occasionalyy I have observed a blind man who resides close by in the apartment complex where I live. On returning from an exercise walk, it occurred to me that I'm a lucky fellow. I can see! I am moved to be thankful. What would life be like if I had to use a walking stick to get around? Would reading braille be difficult? You know when we set aside some quiet moments each day, we then begin to hear that still, small voice within us, and it eventually becomes a guidepost that delivers us from all peril. It gives life meaning. I would say that many folks can't stand to be by themselves for very long. Solitude does have its benefits, though.
Are you down and out about the price of oil these days, or the general cost of living? Are you trapped in the abyss of pornography? Are you trapped in some other type of pit? Is your life just plain gloomy, full of dejection? Know this then: if we are not broken, then we're quite comfortable in our own shortcomings. What is life about, anyway? Isn't it about sharing and sharing alike? Eventually you may realize that a saint has a past and a wrongdoer a future. You may also come to realize that a thorn in the flesh can be of great value. What's that? A thorn in the flesh may be God's way of getting our attention to change direction; a mighty calling. We can then rely on this trustworthy God. How can we do that? We can start by reading Luke 16: 19-31. Besides this, can you name a pump that never needs lubrication? Our human heart is the answer.
You know there is a reason why we have two ears, but only one mouth. It is to our advantage to be slow to speak and quick to listen. The universal quest of mankind is to feel loved; to be contented and happy. We find out that to be thankful is to be free indeed! Let "God turn our mourning into dancing" (Psalm 30: 11). Let us now leave behind our sorrows, our indifference, and our everyday pet peeves. But in most cases when tears come, they actually cleanse us from presumptuous sins. God does all the work, and so we just have to respond to him with humility. Beyond that emblem of suffering and shame (the cross), we are enlightened.
Can we just turn off the TV, the computer, and the phone for a little while? We need to remember this: "Better is a little that a righteous one has than the abundance of a wicked person" (Psalm 37: 16). When you have the true treasures of life, the worldly things in this world are seen as vanity. We may be in this world, but we don't have to be of it!
