by Natalie Wynd
Have you ever thought that your life was cruising right where it should be, that God was right there in the middle of all the decisions, the direction looked positive and the outcomes were great; and then something comes that you weren’t expecting; a conversation, an event and it throws the whole situation into confusion. Whether it be in your career, your home life, world events or your kids life. Whether you are 90, 50, or in school, these left field events happen all the time. The devil has a devious plan, to get you as far away from God as possible, and what better way to do that than by making your life uncomfortable. The way to stomp the devil on the head is in what we do next. How do we find joy in the confusion.
To respond or react, that is the question?
When we react to a situation we find ourselves often in even trickier places. Take the story of David and Bathsheba as an example (2 Samuel 11). David could have just enjoyed the scenery and kept going with his life, but instead, he reacted to the situation, without reflection or consultation with God, which resulted in the pre-meditated murder of an innocent man.
When we respond we allow a little more time and space for reflection. We intentionally seek out individuals that we can debrief too in a safe place, that can provide us with Godly instruction and Christ-centred support. This is the way we find joy. By reflecting on the situation, and prayerfully seeking an answer from God, and responding, not reacting, we can find joy in even the most unusual or abnormal situations.
Some simple ways to reflect on an event are;
- to pray, continually
- to journal
- to debrief to God in prayer (we don’t want to gossip or speak rudely of a person or situation, it is important that we don’t blame anyone).
- to create some distance, just briefly, to reflect and reset.
So, the next time a situation appears, take the time to respond, and not react, to prayerfully commit the situation to God, to not blame anyone and to always be thankful for the blessings we have.
Romans 8:6
If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are ruled by the Spirit, we will have life and peace.
Natalie is a Pastors wife from Dalby, mum to five aged between 18 and 5. She has a passion for nutrition education. She loves Jesus, craft, sewing and coffee with friends.