Sometimes, given the time to think, just sit in silence and think, can be more of a curse than a blessing. Maybe you start to think of good memories with that person who did you wrong, but that makes you sick. So you start to think about the fun you're about to have where you are going, but you begin to get sad when you realize that some of those people who bring that joy are not here anymore. So your mind switches to something that you pray to God will not make you want to cry, like how much fun you're about to have at your churches youth conference, but of course, your mind shifts to the expectations people have for you, to the hope people hold out for you and all you can do is pray that you will not disappoint them. It is almost as if no space in your mind is safe. When you are given the time to just sit and think, your mind wanders to those things that you've tried to put aside, in a little box away from the rest of your thoughts for good.
I urge you, do not be overcome by the hardships of this world. The Lord took you down this path for a reason, and I guarantee he will lead you through it. So therefore, if you are given that time to sit and think, pray. Put yourself in his word if you can.
1 John 5:4 "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world- our faith."
So, take that person who did you wrong, forgive him/her, and then put their memory in a little box in the back of your mind. When the time is right, pull out only the good memories, and do not dwell on the pain they caused you. Pray for strength, the Lord will help you through it.
James 1:19 "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."
When you begin to think about that fun loving person who is no longer with us, think only of the good times, the times of laughter and of joy. Keep a good image of that person in your mind and in your heart, and find peace in knowing that they are in a better place now and you will see them again one day. Pray for courage, the Lord will bring you past this hard time.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
And finally, when you think of the expectations people have for you, and how you do not want to disappoint them, remember that it is impossible to please everyone (see "Sacrifice all for HIM, not him") All you can do is be yourself and do what is best for you. Pray that God will protect the hearts of those with high expectations. Do not let yourself become overwhelmed by the "ifs" "ands" or "buts" of things that you do not know the answer to. The Lord has a plan for both you and that other person, so just put your trust in God, He knows what is best for you, and He will make it happen.
2 Corinthians 12:20 "For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish-- that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, gossip, conceit and disorder."
SO, I guess having this time to think was both a blessing and a curse this time around. Remember, as our friends on veggie tales remind us, "God is bigger than the boogie man, he's bigger than you and me."
Go to God for everything. He will help you through the hardships of life because he is the joy in life.
Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything be prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God"
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