Anyone can let us down
Chapter 6
by Gini Crawford, MSW
Feeling let down
Do you feel people let you down? Well, you are right, people will let you down. People can easily make us feel angry, hurt, distressed, rejected, worthless and we could all add some negative feelings. Reading Psalms, it's obvious King David had those feelings about how others treated him. David knew people would let him down, but it still was hard for him to deal with it. It brought anguish and distress. He felt betrayed and forgotten.
I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak. Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbor and an object of dread to my closest friends — those who see me on the street flee from me. I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. Psalm 31:7-12 NIV®
David understood he could trust God to get him through any trial. Do you understand God can get you through anything someone does to you? Reach out to God like David did.
But I trust in you, Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. Psalm 31:14-16 NIV®
People hurt people
Who hasn't been hurt or harmed by the actions or words of another? So forgiveness is always needed in any relational situation. Perhaps a parent constantly criticizes. A friend deceived you, your spouse lied, your teacher purposely gave you a lower grade, or a church leader unfairly accused you. Or even worse maybe you have had a traumatic experience, such as being physically and emotionally hurt by murder, rape, assault, robbery, betrayal, an accident and so on.
To be a strong Christian, forgiveness needs to be a path you always walk. The path of forgiveness has two sides: First side is forgiving others. The flip side is looking within and asking God to show you how you have hurt or wronged others, and then apologize. Do you forgive or not?
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 NIV®
My friend's son assaulted a friend. The victim graciously forgave my friend's son for the assault, but he was still convicted for the crime and went to prison for 2 years. My friend's son was humbled over being forgiven, made a decision to follow Jesus, and got his Associate Degree in prison. He now has a wonderful family and owns a successful small business. Forgiving someone who has hurt you can be hard but with God the results are positive.
Life Application
Blessings in God
To be honest, there are times I think God has let me down, is hurting me or is even against me. Do you feel that way too? When that happens, let your mind reflect on Who God is, what He has done for you and what His Word says. God's Word tells you in many places that God loves you, and that He is always with you, will never forsake you, and won't let you down. Read Numbers 23:19; Psalm 139:1-18; Isaiah 49:13-16. Remember, Jesus died to forgive you, saving you from the judgement of hell and giving you eternity with Him, in heaven. Read John 3:16-18, 14:1-3. From these passages what truths about God should your mind reflect on?
There are many things that happen that seem random or wrong, and a number of situations that are unfair or unbearable as you live life. If your life on earth was all there was, it would be reasonable to live just for today because death is our future, so who cares that God tells you to forgive. However, your earthly lifespan is minuscule, compared with what awaits you in heaven. A large part of learning to forgive is viewing your life through the big picture of heaven. Be encouraged, God uses the trials that come from others to mature us in Jesus. Maturity in Jesus has eternal blessings. Read Romans 8:18 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1. Share your thoughts.
God's path brings blessings. Our flesh or sin nature tends to want to go down a selfish path that causes hurt. We need to intentionally follow God's path, which is choosing to walk with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit that dwells within every Christian (John 14:16-17, 26-27). The Spirit's path is surrounded by the fruit of love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness, patience and faithfulness. Read Galatians 5:13-26 and explain in your own words.
Do you follow God’s path with His Spirit? Or do you willy-nilly go through life hurting others, and in reality hurting your walk with God?
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to think of others, to follow God's path, to have empathy and understanding of other's struggles, so I don't let them down but lift them up.