Can we agree, sometimes we are our own worst enemy? Do we tend to be pessimistic and refuse to the see the silver lining in every situation?
Our opinions, analysis, and conclusions about situations are filtered through our past experiences. In dealing with challenging issues, our reactions, comments and actions are not always helpful. Are we allowing the filter of God’s Word to enter the fray?
Reading the Bible, specifically the Book of James, can help us cope with people and circumstances. Only five chapters long, James is straight forward and offers practical advice, including:
- reactions under pressure
- living your beliefs
- being judgmental and looking for the best in others
- optimist or pessimist viewpoints
- trusting or suspicious feelings
- wise or foolish behaviors
- rewards of trusting in God
We all have our down days, gut-wrenching situations, and frustrating interactions with others. If we allow God’s truth to influence us, we will eventually see the silver lining and emerge a stronger person.
Here are two verses from The Message version of James:
1:12 “Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.”
1:16-18 “So, my very dear friends, don’t get thrown off course. Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. There is nothing deceitful in God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all his creatures.”
Photograph, Silver Lining, by Abby Birdwell, used with permission.
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