Miss The Mark
At times there just isn’t an easy fix and suggesting one only makes the person who is suffering feel more like a failure.
Reference: “Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me. I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.” Psalm 142:4 NIV
Explore: Most people endeavour to be well meaning, but at times they miss the mark.
If you are going through a time of struggles you usually just want someone who will listen and give an understanding nod. Instead, some people feel they need to give their own advice, yet it often just undermines the pain you are feeling.
When dealing with infertility I have had so many people tell me of their friends who had the same thing and they just went on holidays and everything happened naturally. While I am overjoyed for the success of my friend’s friend, ten holidays later and our situation has not changed.
At times there just isn’t an easy fix and suggesting one only makes the person who is suffering feel more like a failure.
Application: I love in Psalm 142 how the writer sees God as a confidant. He is someone who can be called on in any trouble and He will always listen.
To be honest, I have more fabulous friends than well-meaning acquaintances but I still love that I can call on God at any time. No matter how I am feeling, He will always be there for me.
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I can always call on you. May I be Your representative here on earth and be a good listening ear for those who need to talk through their struggles. Amen.
When have you received well-meaning advice?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.