Greetings, friends,
Sometimes in life we can feel weighed down by our circumstances and by hurt from the past. These things can cause stress, depression, addictions, and other troubles. But while we may be struggling with unresolved pain, we may not necessarily understand that this is the case, and if it is, how it can be resolved.
In the accommodation where I live, I was challenged with a troublesome neighbour for many years. He would bully me on a daily basis and in ways that caused a lot of hurt. I know some readers of this blog are aware of this, because many of you were very supportive and some of you even helped me out financially when I was staying in emergency temporary accommodation.
Eventually, the neighbour moved out, and the flat where he had lived became vacant for a period of months, which was a real mercy.
Today, by the grace of God, I spent some time thinking through what happened with that neighbour and how I dealt with it. I questioned whether I should have done more and perhaps taken the neighbour to court. But the Lord reassured me that I acted well, and I am deeply appreciative of that reassurance, as it gives me a kind of closure that I wasn’t even aware I needed. Glory to Him!
I remember that at the height of my struggles with my neighbour, I tried to act in a way that was as close to the teaching of Jesus as possible, and that is why I chose to take the hit rather than engage with court proceedings. I chose to leave the matter of justice in the Lord’s hands, and my prayer is always for forgiveness and mercy rather than retribution.
We all need forgiveness, and my neighbour is no different. We cannot help the circumstances we are in and the way in which we act, as all our conduct is determined by God. As this is the case, my hope is always that God grants mercy and forgiveness to all sentient beings.
In floods of tears, I experienced the healing hand of God today and I feel lighter and happier than I have for some time. We must always trust in the goodness of God and His loving intentions, and His ability to turn around even the bleakest of situations for good.
Peace be with you all!
Thanks be to God.
Amen.
Perfect Chaos 