By
Dana Rausch
/ June 3, 2010
June 3, 2010
Many years ago when I was much younger and much more foolish (actually it just a few years ago), I played a joke on someone. For their birthday I filled their office with balloons. When they walked in they could not get to their desk, let alone see it. A lot of balloons were in the way. They stood there laughing but at the same time wondering how to deal with all of this and how to get to their desk. Do I start popping them one by one (mind you it was hundreds of balloons) or carry them outside and let them go? What is the best way to clear away this mess?
I remembered that this morning as I came to work with many relationship issues floating around in my head, that I am dealing with at the present moment. What is the best way to clear them all away? Notice that I said the best way, not the easiest way? I wish that I could just pick them all up and walk outside and let them go in the wind. But when it comes to relationships you have to deal with each one separately. I found a verse yesterday that speaks where I am at and how I feel, Psalm 73:16. Here it is in three different translations: NIV – “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me.” The Message – “Still, when I tried to figure it out, all I got was a splitting headache . . .” NKJV – “But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful.” I love to find a verse that speaks directly to my situation! Isn’t this a great verse?
Have you ever felt this way? Oppressed, a splitting headache, or just being in too much pain over a relationship? Why do they hurt so much? Why do people do what they do? Why do I become so overwhelmed in the process of trying to fix things or people? The answer? It is not my job to fix people. That is God’s job. I can only work on me. Lord, what do I do? Do I need to do something? Do I need to say something? Do I need to wait?
The first thing that I do personally is get a promise from the Lord. I find a promise that I can hold on to for dear life! Today, I am holding onto Joshua 1:9. Here it is in NIV and The Message: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – NIV – Haven’t I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don’t be timid; don’t get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take.”
– The Message What I need is to stay strong, and be courageous. I must KNOW with everything that I am that the Lord is with me every step I take. When I want to run away and not deal with people issues, I better stay strong and courageous. When someone’s vicious words cut like a razor blade, not to be afraid or discouraged. How easy is that? It is NOT, but I can make it through all of this with the Lord by my side. I can be encouraged as He walks through this with me. And also to know that He hears all the words, sees all the actions, and feels all the hurt that I am.
The best part……… is that HE LOVES ME!……… ALL THE WAY THROUGH IT!