I get it that life can be challenging, hence a source of concerns. Let’s talk about addressing anxious cares during difficulty.
Where I’m Living Right Now
These past several months have produced some significant stress in my life.
How so? Because of my role where I’m volunteering.
I’m being pulled between strongly divergent opinions as I grapple with issues that could dramatically impact the life of that organization.
Stress relief would be nice. However, my chief concern right now is to have the spiritual wisdom to behave wisely.
Unfortunately, I cannot allow these issues to simply play themselves out because some members have already left the group. Others feel unheard. A few are deeply offended, thus are hurting due to a lack of shepherding. Worse yet are those who believe they’ve been deceived by the leader.
What have you done about it?
I’ve done the obvious things when confronted with competing emotions and agendas.
For example, I’ve listened one-on-one then carried those concerns back to the leader. And, I’ve gone with others as they express their views to that leader.
Others have also taken these same steps.
We held a large-group listening session so people could share their personal stories and concerns.
Finally, I’ve enlisted outside assistance to provide mediation services. Why mediation? Because in my view, the internal conversations are at an impasse.
The leader comes across to some as argumentative and arrogant as he responds to members. Unfortunately, damaged trust isn’t a sufficient motivator to produce the much needed humility, and an apology, when they’re most needed at this time.
As a leader, or as a friend, I touch the life of no one when I’m arrogant and self-consumed. Instead, to have lasting influence, I must cultivate humility. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Precept
Philippians 4.6-7 is a classic example of how BE-KNOW-DO plays out in our lives. Who we are (BE) impacts how we apply what we’ve learned (KNOW) to an existing situation (DO).
In Philippians 4.6 we’re told to not allow our anxious cares to dominate our lives. Ha! That’s easy to say! Ok, keep reading.
We’re encouraged to pray and be thankful. Seriously. As such, we’re looking for divine assistance as we change our perspective about the situation we’re in.
Does the problem magically disappear? No. In Philippians 4.7 what changes, for a person of faith, is our perception about the situation.
Instead, we find “…the peace of God…” that’s beyond our ability to reason. Therefore, we reach a balance between “…hearts and minds…”
In so doing, we find balance between our emotional and our rational self. That is, we’re addressing anxious cares during difficulty.
All that said, note that Philippians 4.7 is an outcome of the actions we take in Philippians 4.6. We trade-in our anxious cares for peace.
But, how do we become thankful while all this turmoil is going on?
First, recognize the impact we’re having in the lives of others who are living through the same situation.
Second, build gratitude by deliberate reflection. That reflection helps change our life’s perspective – – for the better.
We enjoy the “peace OF God” (Philippians 4.7 and Colossians 3.15) because we’ve made our “peace WITH God” (Romans 5.1), by faith. That deep, inner peace comes to those who know personally the “God OF peace” (Romans 16.20, Philippians 4.9, and Hebrews 13.20). proverbsforprofessionals.net
Apply This Today!
Responding appropriately, rather than reacting emotionally, is a skill we each can work on. Thus, a heart and mind that are at peace is both a deliberate choice and a developed trait.
Complex situations often don’t come about overnight. Similarly, they’re not fixed in an instant. These types of anxious cares demand our endurance and our deep thoughtfulness.
Prayer and reflection push us outside of ourselves. We’re forced to consider different perspectives and find other options. We must admit that “…this isn’t all about me!” Gee, what a sobering revelation!
“This isn’t fair…it’s not my fault!” Ok, so what? Where do claims about fairness and fault leave us? Correct – – right where we are. So, instead of fretting about what we don’t control, look for ways to bring about change by addressing those things we do control. Or, things we can influence.
I’m Dale Young. My posts share the balanced life to build wise character and guide wise behavior.
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