Inner Conflict? Let God Help - Part 3

Inner conflict is produced from feeling inadequate for managing life’s problems. Some problems are pushed aside if there is little urgency for resolution, but this delay or inaction may give rise to the accumulation of strife. Knowing problems exist but lacking the will to address them can produce feelings of inadequacy, failure and guilt.

          Jody, a professional businesswoman and a single mother, permitted her house get so cluttered that she felt it was impossible to clean it. She felt ashamed because her children were embarrassed to have friends over. Self-belittlement often is caused by distortion of problems and one’s inability to solve them.

When Jesus instructed his disciples and us to be perfect as God the Father is perfect, he meant that we were to progress toward maturity. In this progression toward maturity, reality is more easily accepted. Isaiah 58:9 is encouraging: “It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me, so who is he who would condemn me?” Expect God to help.  

Problems to Solve, Questions to Ponder - Part 1

Life has a way of creating problems, so problem solving becomes a necessity. Someone said, “I’ll take the problems rather than the alternative, for if I’m alive, solutions and changes are possible.” Problems do challenge our creativity, but if they’re ignored, the resulting conflicts may appear overwhelming and make change seem impossible.

A critical step in problem solving is to clearly define the specific change that needs attention. When God sent Jesus to be the Messiah, his mission was clearly defined. Through faith in Jesus, believers achieve peace with God by being saved from sin and death. They no longer face the consequence of eternal separation from God.

Becoming a believer is not an escape from life’s complications. It does mean there is help for facing today’s challenges. God provides guidance needed for managing difficult situations, so ask the Holy Spirit to provide the specific insight and help you need to resolve the issues you face. It will surprise you what God will do.