I have taken a few hard knocks lately. I got my feelings hurt and it seems like it overshadows everything anymore. I just feel sad all the time no matter what I go to do. I know there are some that believe that that is an indication that you have not truly forgiven. Personally, I would respectfully disagree. When you are wounded in your body it isn't always that the pain goes away instantly, so why would it be so when the wound is in your emotions?
I also believe that forgiveness is an action of faith. It is in effect saying, ok God. I believe that You can take care of me, and the other person, and this situation, so I'm letting go of my right to be offended, and I'm handing it over to You. Sometimes when we walk by faith we do not SEE immediate change. I guess that is why it is called FAITH. We believe something we don't see, feel, hear, etc.
Sometimes people do things and they don't want it fixed. That is not my decision to make. Sometimes I have to respect the line they have drawn in the sand, as much as I wish it to be otherwise. Sometimes people are in the habit of acting a certain way that brings turmoil into everyone's life. I believe we stick with these people until the Lord says otherwise. I have done that for years with some people and one day the Lord would say, That's enough. You've done what you can do. Then I have to leave that with Him. He loves them and will do what is best for them. I wonder if me hanging on to them against His better judgement would hinder His working in their lives?
But I said HURT feelings. Not HARD feelings. Those are two different things. A hurt is a wound, like when I burn myself on the stove. It hurts, it heals, it goes away like nothing was ever wrong. Hard is like a stone. It never gives way to anything else. HURT feelings can turn to HARD feelings easily, but it doesn't HAVE to. Just like a burn can become infected. But it doesn't HAVE to.
I have also seen that my private time with the Lord is very important. Being sad all the time can ruin an otherwise good day. But somehow, in the quietness of His Word He seems to put a bubble around me. I think one place in the Bible calls it 'the secret place of His pavillion'. I am sad. The day is hard. But it's not a lost cause. I can keep going.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul (my troubled emotions); He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Psalm 23: 2,3
Just one more step in my spiral upward.
Have a Blessed day.
Much love to you ...
