Recovering From Life's Disasters
By Dr. Rick Warren
Fire destroys homes and families lose all of their worldly belongings. We receive word of the totally unexpected death of a loved one. The economy takes a dramatic negative turn, leaving investment portfolios in ruins. Without warning, an executive informs a long-time employee that she no longer has a job. As Murphy’s Law states, “If something can go wrong, it will.”
The Bible expresses this reality somewhat differently: “Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people” (Ecclesiastes 8:14).
What should we do, how should we respond, when we are faced with tragedy or great adversity? This week, I want to let God’s Word speak for itself:
1. RELEASE MY GRIEF – Do not deny your grief or ignore it. Tell God exactly how you feel. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). “Pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8). “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
2. RECEIVE HELP FROM OTHERS – Do not isolate yourself. Find support from friends, and if
you are a member of a church, from your church family. “Carry each other’s burdens…” (Galatians 6:2).
3. REFUSE TO BE BITTER – You have a choice: to become bitter or better. “Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you…it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives” (Hebrews 12:15).
HOW CAN WE AVOID BITTERNESS?
• Accept what cannot be changed. “… Reach out to God then face the world again, firm and courageous…” (Job 11:13, 16).
• Focus on what is left, not on what has been lost. “No matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
4. REMEMBER WHAT IS IMPORTANT – Relationships, not things, are what matter the most. Jesus said, “… Life is not measured by how much one owns” (Luke 12:15). “We brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7).
5. RELY ON JESUS CHRIST – This is the secret to finding strength needed to endure difficult times. “I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
HOW CAN WE DO THIS?
Lean on Christ for stability. “Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance” (Psalm 125:1). “You Lord, give true peace to those who depend on you…” (Isaiah 26:3). “Such a person will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it. He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him” (Psalm 112:6-7).
Listen to Christ for direction. “I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
Look to Christ for salvation. “God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid even if the earth shakes, or the mountains fall into the sea” (Psalm 46:2).
Adapted from a column by Dr. Rick Warren, the author of numerous books, including the highly acclaimed, The Purpose-Drive Life, which has been translated into many languages and sold throughout the world. It affirms the importance of having a carefully considered, clearly expressed purpose to guide everyday life.
