Where God's Word Meets My Mess
Isolation can lead to discouragement and depression, especially for extroverts (but even for introverts like me). Because video chatting just isn’t the same as seeing someone in person. And virtual hugs aren’t nearly as great as physical hugs. So what can we do? We can write cards.
I couldn’t believe Reagan got up and left her seat beside me to sit with other people. Why had she rejected me again? Or, I could be asking myself when I will put the past behind me and forgive Reagan…because maybe I never really forgave her for rejecting me the first time.
I noticed her face somewhere in the sea of people, but I couldn’t tell where she had gone. All I knew was that she wasn’t sitting with me. And that hurt. How could she have ignored my offer? Why did she reject my invitation?
Efficiency makes us feel better about ourselves. It makes us believe we are better than others. But being productive doesn't make us holy.
I stared at the group of college students across the cafeteria as they ate dinner together. At the full table, I couldn't help but observe how many eyes were glued to phone screens. The scene was saddening but not unusual in our society. When did eating a meal together stop revolving around rich laughter, deep conversation, and friendly encouragement?
Even though losses can be temporary and mean little in the long-run, they are still disappointing to experience. But there is something beautiful about losing that we could never experience if we always won. The beauty of losing is that we know how others feel when they lose. We can empathize, reassure, and strengthen those who have lost because we know exactly how they feel.
Last month, I served for the first time ever at a food pantry. I’d once helped with the behind-the-scenes work at a food pantry, but I’d never been there while people actually got their food. In short, my experience was different than I’d expected.
I prayed a very simple prayer yesterday morning: “God, help me be friendly to someone who is lonely.” I know God gives us opportunities to give Him glory…but, usually, we make a mess of those situations. This situation was no exception.
The Lord needs to be our Comforter in the midst of suffering. But He also wants us to comfort others. We can do that by following His example. Here are four ways He comforts us and how we can use them to comfort others...
Are Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so important that we must shun those in our very presence to respond to those who we don’t even know? Are they so important that we must neglect those around us who are crying out for attention and in need of a listening ear? Can’t that message, post, or picture wait for just a few minutes?
I place too much emphasis on my bank account. I am a hoarder when it comes to money. I don’t want to give or even tithe, though it’s silly when I really think about it. My money isn’t even mine, yet I save it like it is.
I hate spending money. If I could, I would save every penny that I earn or receive. But what good would a bank account full of money do? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. My penny-pinching behaviors make no sense, but I continue to pinch pennies nonetheless.
Love isn’t a choice; it’s a command. I wish it was a choice because then I could choose not to do it, but it is the foundation of our faith. Without love, we’re just like the world. So try it.
So how can you tell if someone loves you? If he or she makes sacrifices for you. How can you tell if you love someone? If you make sacrifices for him or her.
For a time, Raegan and I were friends. But our schedules changed, and so did our lives. We went our separate ways, but whenever I had the occasional encounter with her after that, these ugly feelings crept inside my heart and made me feel uncomfortable around her.
