Bulletin Articles
Put The Violin Away
The everyday dealings of trying to navigate through life places us in many situations. Some good, some "I could take it or leave it, " and some perceived as bad. Usually, when good things happen to us, we rejoice and give God the glory. And when things are bad, well....we call upon our Heavenly Father for assistance. Assistance to please help pull us through. Pull us through as quickly and painlessly as possible.
Let me be clear. I am NOT saying that we shouldn't call upon God. In fact, we should be speaking to God not only when in the midst of a storm but also when our days are sunny and clear. What I am saying is that, just maybe, we need to look at the mindset that we have when a storm front arises.
We all know that troublesome times will always arise in our life. A well-known fact also mentioned in John 16:33, "In the world you will have tribulation." "You will" means that it is a sure thing. But knowing this, when trials arise again, again and yet again, we often ask/think, "Why me?" while reaching for our violin to play the not so soothing melody of, "woe is me."
May I suggest we put the violin away and "count it all joy when you fall into various trials. " (James 1:2)
Perception is everything. The way you perceive situations can change your outlook, attitude, and feelings towards that situation.
Instead of asking, "Why me?" How about asking, "Why not me?" Then, following up with, "what can or what am I going to learn from this?" When faced with a trial we are given an opportunity to practice and improve some aspect of our self. (Romans 5:3-4, James 1:3)
To help ease our mind and get ourselves in the right mindset, let us never forget that we are not alone. There are many scriptures that assure us that our Lord is always with us. (Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6,8, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5, etc.)
The next time we are tested, may we challenge ourselves to change our perception. Not to perceive our trials as negative, but to view them as an opportunity to grow and strengthen our faith.
May we always know God's everlasting love. (Romans 8:31-39)
