Let's begin with a word from the book of Job

Several years ago, I sat in a Sunday morning service feeling down-trodden. As I sat there, feeling a little bit sorry for myself, the visiting pastor announced that he would be speaking from the book of Job. "Oh my," I thought. "Here I am feeling pitiful and the preacher is going to preach on one of the most pitiful people in the Bible. What are my sorrows compared to Job's??" Well, as the preacher began, I thought I knew what he would preach--you probably know the sermon you usually hear in regards to Job. Job was faithful through all his trials. And, he was. But, this sermon was different. The focus was on Job 23, specifically verses 8-10. "Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him. But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold." Job looks everywhere (prays for answers), but can not find God at this point in his life. HOWEVER, Job acknowledges that he, Job, knows that the Lord works on the left hand. We know that good things are associated with the right hand. For example, Jesus sits at the right hand of the father. Therefore, we could surmise (as the pastor did) that God was working on the left hand through the troubles that Job was facing. The left hand being associated with the negative. But, that God was also hidden on the right hand-for Job's good. In the midst of our troubles, whatever they may be--marital, work-related, unsaved loved ones, sickness, etc.-- God is working on our behalf. It is so hard to keep that in perspective when you are actually going through a difficulty of some sort. But, just as Job said, "when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold". Often times, after a particularly stressful period in my life, I can look back and see that God has indeed used those events or situations to help me to mature and grow. I also find that I have more empathy for others DURING difficult times, as well as after them. My heart becomes soft and I am able to more fully appreciate the simplest things, like getting up in the morning and feeling good, or getting a hug from one of my children unexpectedly, or even having my dog sneak up on me and give the back of my hand a "love lick" as I am walking through the back yard. A dear friend recently reminded me of a familiar verse of scripture, Philippians 4:8. We must guard our minds from doubts, fears, and lies of the enemy. We are instructed to think about things that are "true", "honest", "just", "pure", "lovely", and "of good report". She admonished me that if I were not careful "thoughts become things". I purpose in my heart and mind to replace thoughts that are not from God, with those which are. Focusing on the blessings in our lives can alleviate much stress. Take care and God bless you.