We are all different. In many different ways and to many different extremes, we have all been scarred. Likewise, we have all scarred someone. It’s funny, too, how each one of us handles it.
I’ve always looked at those who are quick to forgive as amazing people. It’s not one of my strong points to admit my faults and apologize on the spot. I often need time and space before I can apologize. What’s even weirder, is that I find myself being much more forgiving to those whom I hardly know, as opposed to those I love.
Another tendency is to become defensive, even when you know you are wrong. So why are we like that? Why does pride have such a strong hold on us? Our pride makes such an impression on our hearts that we are often willing to hurt others in order to protect it. It’s really ridiculous.
Donald Miller is a popular Christian speaker, writer, and blogger. I was recently reading his blog when he talked about a tough situation that he’s in and he just realized (thanks to a friend) that he has been running from this problem for months now. His raw and honest post hit home with me and I started reading into the comments section and found even more great confessions from people having similar experiences.
One person wrote, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). This 8-word verse is so powerful. It is humbling. To know that God is all-powerful, always there and in complete control is a very comforting (and terrifying) thing.
Another woman wrote about how she, too, runs from her problems, but she also tends to “pick up a weapon and fight”. Truth is, we could all probably use some help with how we handle hard times.
I recently saw the quote from Reinhold Niebuhr that says, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” This is another quote that can help remind us to be more secure and at peace with our circumstances.
How do you handle tough situations? Do you find yourself running or leaning on God more often?