Month 10:17, Week 3:2 (Shanee/Matzah), Year 5935:275 AM
Gregorian Calendar: Tuesday 10 January 2012
Shattered Lives
Learning to Start Over Again
At some time in our lives we all go through a shattering experience. Some of us feel numb and lose the sense of the reality of life. Others feel great tensions of anger and resentment. Either way, it's very hard to go on living because of the sense of injustice. Life is shattered into pieces.
King David had many crises in his life and his response was always the same. He talked to Yahweh and told him exactly how he felt:
"Elohim (God) is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure levim (hearts). But I had nearly lost confidence; my emunah (faith) was almost gone because I was jealous of the proud when I saw that things go well for the wicked. They do not suffer pain; they are strong and healthy. They do not suffer as other people do; they do not have the troubles that others have. And so they wear pride like a necklace and violence like a robe; their levim (hearts) pour out evil, and their minds are busy with wicked schemes. They laugh at other people and speak of evil things; they are proud and make plans to oppress others. They speak evil of Elohim (God) in heaven and give arrogant orders to men on earth, so that even Elohim's (God's) people turn to them and eagerly believe whatever they say. They say, 'Elohim (God) will not know; the Most High will not find out.' That is what the wicked are like. They have plenty and are always getting more. Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin? O Elohim (God), You have made me suffer all day long; every morning You have punished me. If I had said such things, I would not be acting as one of Your people. I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me until went to Your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked" (Ps.73:1-17, GNB).
Our way of living today may at first be different as we learn to adapt to Yahweh's ways but our emotions are just the same. Express your anger to Yahweh as David did. With His help, look at the whole of your life and discover what there is that needs to be put right. Let Yahweh transform you inwardly. The apostle Paul tells us how this can happen:
"So then, my brothers, beacuse of Elohim's (God's) great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to Elohim (God), dedicated to His service and pleasing to Him. This is the true worship that you should offer. Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let Elohim (God) transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of Elohim (God) - what is good and pleasing to Him and is perfect. Ask Elohim (God) to bless those who persecute you - yes, ask Him to bless, not curse. Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep. Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.
"If someone has done you wrong, do not repay him with a wrong. Try to do what everyone considers to be good. Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everyone. Never take revenge, my friends, but instead let Elohim's (God's) anger do it. For the scripture says, 'I will take revenge, I will may back, says Yahweh.' Instead. as the scripture says: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for by doing this you will make him burn with shame.' Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good" (Rom.12:1-2,14-21, GNB).
What are the lessons that you have learned in the crisis that shattered your life? Sort out which of the pieces can be 'picked up' and used again. Then leave your resentment with Yahweh. Let there be a death to the whole experience. Conquer evil with good. Start life again.
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