My Apologies

Most of my subjects are situations abut which I care deeply. I care about marriage and children. I care about families whose members don't speak to each other, usually over some slight, or jealousy, or something you have not forgiven. It is sometimes hard for me to tell how my messages come across. Often we expect more of others than we ourselves are willing to give. Sometimes we become so accustomed to our own values that we impose them on others with a judgmental or critical attitude. IF I HAVE EVER MADE ANY OF YOU, MY READERS, FEEL THAT I AM SITTING IN JUDGMENT, OR AM BEING CRITICAL, PLEASE FORGIVE ME. IT IS NEVER MY INTENTION TO BE EITHER.

We Christians (and church-goers in general) hear scripture so much, and hopefully, read it so much ourselves, that we become callous to the sufferings of others. Sometimes we get on our spiritual pedestals and look down on others who don't seem to have it all together—especially if they are fellow Christians or church members.

If you are a church-goer or a Christian, going through an emotional trial, depression, guilt, feeling condemned, blaming others to avoid truth-- if you are struggling with discouragement or doubt, remember God loves you. He still has a plan for you. Jesus urges us to cast our burdens on Him. That means He knows we have burdens. It didn't take Him by surprise. Jesus was depressed in the garden just before He was arrested. He sweated great drops of blood. He begged God the Father to make another way of salvation. He didn't want to go through with the crucifixion; yet He humbled Himself and accepted His fate. He understands what you are going through. That's why He could say through the apostle Paul in I Co 10:13,  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

We are all human, and subject to making grave errors in judgment that can ruin our lives, or devastate relationships, and even sometimes, cause us to turn away from God. But God never stops loving you. Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Verse 6 says, "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths". When we mess up, when we get caught in a web of lives that robs us of our joy and causes us extreme mental anguish, when we worry and fret while still clinging to our faith (even if by a thin thread), God is just waiting for us to admit what we have done, or confess that our faith is perhaps not as strong as we think it should be; if we have held bitterness, anger, or hatred in our hearts toward another, God just wants us to confess it and ask His forgiveness. Once we do that, He can begin the healing process.

Many church people and preachers believe it is a sin to get psychological help. We hear them say to just read the Bible and pray; trust God. Yes, perhaps that should be enough, but in our human frailty, when we separate ourselves from God and/or others, sometimes it takes someone (preferably a like-minded Christian) to help us get back on the right track. There is no shame in seeking Christian professional help.

If any of this applies to you or your situation, please seek Christian counseling. Don't let finances rob you of getting the help you need. Ask God to help you in that area as well. Perhaps the counselor/counseling facility would be willing to set up a payment plan based on your finances. Trust God to provide the help you need. Read Jeremiah 29:11, Psalms 34:7 and Psalms 37:4. Read John 3:16 again. Also, read the eighth chapter of Romans. There is strength and help available. Don't be afraid or ashamed of needing help. You can start with online prayer support: www.christianprayercenter.com or www.findchristiancounselor.com. If you have any difficulties please let me know. I care.