Even though we know that God’s way for us in our life in recovery is one of showing compassion and kindness to everyone, we may find it difficult to sustain these qualities in the challenges of everyday living. People are often difficult. Circumstances don’t work out the way we think they should.
Everything seems to take more time than we have to give. We’re frustrated. We feel misunderstood and not cared for. We feel vulnerable when we don’t know how to solve a difficult problem. Before we know it, we are thinking and speaking with anger and impatience, or are gossiping and blaming. Can a person really sustain life with gentleness in our challenging world over the long haul? How?
Everything seems to take more time than we have to give. We’re frustrated. We feel misunderstood and not cared for. We feel vulnerable when we don’t know how to solve a difficult problem. Before we know it, we are thinking and speaking with anger and impatience, or are gossiping and blaming. Can a person really sustain life with gentleness in our challenging world over the long haul? How?
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (1 Peter 5:7, 2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT)
We need to remind ourselves that God cares, and that He is working in us and for us, always for our good. Circumstances might seem out of control but God is watching over us and if we ask, is available to help us and provide us with whatever we need. Once we remember that God cares and is making a way for us, it’s time to listen and do what God says. God promises that when we obey Him, we’ll have an amazing experience of His peace and gentleness will fill our souls.
Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea. I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart. (Isaiah 48:18, Ezekiel 11:19 NLT)
As we make it a practice to receive the tender care of God in the middle of difficulties, we’ll grow in our ability to live in gentleness through our challenging times.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, with you at my side I can be a strong and gentle person. Help me to bring each problem I face to you, remembering that you care for me and you will show me an fitting solution. AMEN
©2017 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/
Audio for Overcoming Challenges To Gentleness
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.