Butterflies and Rainbows

Sharing deep thoughts with a passionate young woman who is more like family than friend. Listening to her heart as she expresses the need for Christians to be real makes me wonder if we have our own brand of political correctness? With the advent of social media, suddenly everyone’s life is an open book…but are we really brave enough to be totally honest? I think that we have a tendency to want to look good when we know the world is watching. But, our sweet friend expressed it well, “Life is not all butterflies and rainbows.”

If we are trying to impress others by acting like we don’t have any problems, how will we ever minister to those who are struggling? Perhaps if we would allow ourselves to be transparent, those who are hurting would be drawn to our vulnerability. Admitting our failures and shortcomings reveals our need for a Savior. And isn’t that our ultimate goal: To share with others the Good News that “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17

In the midst of this conversation, we watched a YouTube video with Bono and Eugene Peterson discussing the Psalms. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l40S5e90KY) They beautifully articulated the need for Christians to be open regarding the difficulties and challenges in their lives. Bono said that the Psalmist was “brutally honest” about his struggles, which is why most of us can relate to the Psalms when we feel downtrodden and discouraged.

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again – my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:11 NLT

I loved hearing Bono quote Psalm 40:1-3 from The Message by Eugene Peterson:

“I waited and waited and waited for God. At last He looked; finally He listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I wouldn’t slip. He taught me how to sing the latest God-song, a praise-song to our God.”

We identify with the Psalmist as he expresses his sorrow, but I love the fact that in spite of everything, he always concludes that God is the victor over all of his adversities! This is indeed the message that we should be sharing with the world around us.

“O Lord, I have so many enemies; so many are against me. So many are saying, ‘God will never rescue him!’ But You, O Lord, are a shield around me; You are my glory, the one who holds my head high.” Psalm 3:1-3 NLT

Judging the Judgmental

I have often said that the hardest people not to judge are those who are judgmental. Generally speaking, we have a tendency to judge people who don’t agree with us. So, if I think it’s wrong for someone to judge others, I just might be guilty of judging them because they are judgmental. It sounds like a play on words, but it’s true.

Think about a time when someone talked about you in a slanderous way. (Slander: a malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report.) I think that it’s important for us to forgive that individual, or we will be tempted to speak ill of them, hence, judging them. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32

The Bible clearly states that we should respond with patience and love: “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3

There’s always a chance that the person speaking falsehoods against you won’t be interested in reconciliation. However, I think it’s worth it to attempt to restore the relationship, if possible. “Encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. Live in peace with one another. Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” I Thessalonians 5:11; 14-15

If the proverbial olive branch is rejected, we can be assured that it’s still God’s will that we pray for the person in question (Matthew 5:44). Perhaps God will remind us that until a person takes their final breath, there’s always a chance for repentance. I know firsthand that God can use every seemingly hurtful situation to teach me the reality of walking in forgiveness. My prayer is that each of us will learn to leave the outcome of our conflict to the consummate judge:

“…Christ is your example, and you must follow in His steps. He never sinned nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” I Peter 2:21-23

The Only Opinion That Matters

I’ve been the target of some criticism recently. I’m the first to admit that I’m not perfect and it's my prayer that the Holy Spirit will convict me and I will make amends when I am at fault. It’s hard to come to grips with the fact that some people don’t really need a reason to criticize others. They are disgruntled with life in general and you can’t take it personally when they treat you with contempt.

Have you ever been the victim of false accusations? It’s very frustrating when people pass judgment concerning something without finding out whether it’s true or not. One thing that baffles me about myself is the fact that I allow someone’s bad opinion of me to cloud what I know to be true. Why would we believe something about ourselves that we know is not true? We forget that our enemy is clever and knows all about our insecurities. “Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8

It’s imperative that we saturate our minds with God’s opinion of us! We are His children: “But to all who believed in (Jesus) and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12) He loves us more than we can imagine: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3) David asked God to “keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 17:8).

The thought of God “hiding” us is quite comforting:

“You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in Your presence, far from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20

“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5

I have been reading the Psalms on a regular basis and find that they minister to me when I’m facing adversity. Whatever you are facing right now, I hope that God will assure you that His opinion of you never changes…"His faithful love endures forever." (Psalm 106:1)

“But I will give repeated thanks to the Lord, praising Him to everyone. For He stands beside the needy, ready to save them from those who condemn them.” (Psalm 109:30-31)