Pain Is Not Eternal

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:18-20)

The good news is we can change ourselves and sometimes that means changing our reactions to others around us. Being good to someone doesn't guarantee they will treat us the same.

Take a look at what Jesus endured. His people rejected Him to the point of requesting His death over that of a criminal. Yet all He ever did was to love, help, encourage and heal them. His friend, Peter, denied knowing Him the night He was betrayed. The betrayer was Judas, the treasurer for His ministry who sold Him out for some extra money. His other friends and disciples ran and hid as Jesus was wrongfully taken prisoner. Jesus can relate to your feelings. He knows and understands the hurt we often suffer, though no fault of our own.

The best way to get past the hurt is forgiving. As Jesus hung dying on the cross in agony, He said, "Father, forgive them." Forgiving someone doesn't mean you accept what they have done to you. Or, that it was alright for them to treat you in a bad way. What it does do is release God to work in that situation. It releases that person's hold on your mind and emotions. God has called you to a higher purpose, one that is ahead of you, not behind you.

Sometimes I find it helpful to use mental pictures. See yourself holding all that "stuff" in a huge bag too heavy for you to carry. But, it's not too heavy for God as He reaches down and picks up your "stuff" and carries it away. Now He can take care of it for you, and you don't have to dwell on it anymore.

God said choose life. Let life flow from your thoughts. Let life flow from your emotions. All the negative things, we keep embracing, bring the opposite of what we really want into our lives. Instead embrace God. You are important and your life does count and you are worthy of every blessing that comes your way. He wants every good thing for you. He is not like others; He'll always be there for you.

Do you hear the Lord speaking to your heart? He is saying: Come to me my little one and see that I am good. Hold on to me tight. I'll never let you go. You are mine and I am yours. Don't fret. Don't fret about tomorrow. I have all your cares in my hands. Bring to me your worship, your love, and your dance. It pleases me so. Here pain is erased. It is not eternal, but only for a season. Look forward to the life you have in me. Dance for joy. Rejoice. Arise out of the depths of sadness. Let the light shine. Happiness is in the air.

Holy Bible, New International Version�, NIV� Copyright � 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.� Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.