Healing the Wounds of Life

It's impossible to fight the battles of life without being wounded. Most wounds include hurt feelings resulting from arguments or conflicts. Whatever the cause of the wound, it takes time to heal, and this involves patience and endurance. God does not protect us from conflict but will give wisdom for managing it.

Samson modeled impatience and lack of wisdom as he struggled to deal with conflicts that constantly pursued him. On one occasion he hid in a cave, fearing for his life after impulsively taking out his revenge on the Philistine people who, as a group, were not responsible for his anger and rage.

What prevented Samson from acquiring patience and wisdom were his arrogance and pride. He failed to understand that to be truly wise, he would have to harness his intelligence and passions and then redirect them toward what God would bless. God's word informs us that fear of the Lord is a prerequisite for acquiring wisdom. May this be your ambition and desire. 

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 I myself will tend my sheep and give them a place to lie down in peace, says the Sovereign Lord. I will search for my lost ones who have strayed away, and I will bring them safely home again. I will bandage the injured and strengthen the weak.

~Ezekiel 34:15-16 New Living Translation

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Playing the Blame Game

One of the most important features of maturity is the quality of character that accepts personal failure instead of blaming others or some inanimate object. When a marriage fails, a predictable response is to blame a former spouse, relatives or anyone who interfered with the peace and stability of the marriage.

 
 

Each person must ask, "What did I fail to do or deliberately do that caused the relationship to fail?" When Samson’s marriage failed, his response was to seek revenge. Sorrows overshadowed by rage prevented him from taking responsibility for the failed marriage. Passion for revenge and false pride concealed his immaturity.  

Getting even with those he blamed for his humiliation clearly defined his mental and spiritual state. When anger reaches this intensity, listening to rational voices from God and others is essential. Should this be your experience, go to God's word or perhaps a Christian counselor for understanding and wisdom. Force yourself to apply the alternatives to anger and hate that you will discover.  

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For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

~Galatians 6:5 New Living Translation

 

If you don’t confess your sins, you will be a failure. But God will be merciful if you confess your sins and give them up. The Lord blesses everyone who is afraid to do evil, but if you are cruel, you will end up in trouble.

~Proverbs 28:13-14 Contemporary English Version

For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, inspired by the devil. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others.

~James 3:15,17 The Living Bible

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