What Is the Most Productive Method to Manage Trouble?

How problems are managed ultimately depends on a person’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as their temperament and personality. Solutions to problems demand a test of intelligence and patience. New information, however, can generate confidence that will be valuable for a lifetime.

Seeking help for difficult problems can build tolerance for others who are different in temperament and personality. As Saul’s troubles built up, his fear intensified after realizing God had withdrawn his spirit and blessing from him. I can only imagine how overwhelming that was.

To help Saul cope, David played the harp for him hoping to soothe his troubled mind. However Saul immediately became fearful of David and perceived him as an enemy. In contrast to this mindset, think how pleasant and comforting it is knowing God is a very present help in times of trouble.

Begin each day with thanksgiving and praise for this wonderful assurance.           

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Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as in fact as you are doing.

~1 Thessalonians 5:11 New international Version

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 

~Psalm 133:1 New International Version

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How Does Compatibility Bond Us Together?

While criticism and domestic violence will eventually destroy or severely diminish intimacy and closeness, tolerance coupled with compassion strengthens what potential there is for compatibility. What is compatibility, and what significant role does it play in marriage and friendships?

Compatibility is synonymous with harmony and unity. It implies similarities in goals, intelligence, values, faith in God, the Bible and the Lord Jesus Christ. Compatibility is the glue that bonds people together, regardless of life’s problems. Trust and respect are the relationship’s bonding agents.

A couple’s differences can complement and strengthen the relationship while compatibility ensures stability and builds feelings of security and safety. Psalm 133:1 affirms, “How good and pleasant for God’s people to live together in harmony.” 

Treasure every aspect of your existing compatibility and time together.  

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Do all you have to do without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and harmless, faultless children of God, living in a warped and diseased age, and shining like lights in a dark world.

~Philippians 2:14-15 Phillips – New Testament In Modern English

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Forgiveness Revisited

When C. S. Lewis lay dying, his final thoughts were on forgiveness. He was struggling to forgive a cruel and harsh elementary teacher from his childhood. He had forgiven this individual as a young man and again as a middle-aged adult and now felt compelled to complete the task before he breathed his final breath.

What is incredibly important to understand about C. S. Lewis’ experience is that forgiveness is being completed at various stages throughout life. C. S. Lewis could never forget the trauma he experienced from this teacher. He understood that the only way to let go of the bitterness was to forgive him for the pain he felt so deeply.

It's often at the crossroads of adult development where forgiveness needs to be revisited. God’s wisdom and compassion aid us in forgiving at a deeper level. As Lewis lay dying, he again offered forgiveness to the person responsible for his suffering. The Holy Spirit brings to our awareness what needs to be forgiven so we can have a clear conscience.  

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It is truly wonderful when the people of God live together in peace.

~Psalm 133:1 Contemporary English Version

When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair. You should make them sure of your love for them.

~2 Corinthians 2:7-8 Contemporary English Version

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.

~2 Corinthians 13:11 New International Version