Our message was brought by a new pastor to me, Steven Lee. It was another remarkable look at the things that are dysfunctional in our lives by looking at the unfairness of life and what to do about it. Specifically, Steven looked at what you can do to maintain a healthy outlook when you have been wounded. He looked at this situation through the eyes of David when he was running from Saul. The passage of scripture is found in 1 Samuel 24:1-15. David and his men are hiding in a cave when Saul comes into the cave to relieve himself. David had been hurt by Saul but reacted in a way pleasing to the Lord. Rather than returning the spear in revenge for Saul throwing a spear at His head, David only cut off a small piece of Saul’s garment.

We see in the passage to this point that, like David, when wounded, we do not have to “Return the Spear”. Everything in us wants to and can justify it in our mind. But we must ask ourselves, can I square it with scripture? Scripture teaches us that the best way is to leave vengeance to the Lord. But, oh my, it is difficult to do, especially when disappointed by a friend. That friend may be another human or God. The difference is that God’s “disappointment” leads to our benefit, though we may not see it in the moment. Still, it is difficult to let go of the hurt. The reason is, we are not led by love but by human or worldly logic. It is unfair for them to get away. It is just to get even. Only when Jesus is in my court, and I am listening, do I have a chance of doing as David did and trust in God for the outcome.

This leads us to Steven’s next point, Release the Outcome. David says, “May the Lord therefore be the judge between you and me, and see to it and plead my cause and deliver me from your hand”. 1Samuel 24:15. Often, when I am confronted by my wife, my immediate response is to defend myself. I cannot control her or the outcome, anyway, and just lose my peace by trying. That is not the same as maintaining boundaries. Although we have become one flesh in the Lord, we still have qualities that stray from being loving and compassionate. But they can be expressed in hurtful or healing ways. If Susan has the problem, the peaceful and productive way is to listen and understand her rather than defend my position. This principle is also true when I speak out about political or religious things which I feel led to do. But if I get pushback, I contain my wisdom and listen to which is the greater wisdom.

In doing this, we were reminded that, “The seasons that break you are the same ones that God uses to build you (into a better person).” I have the advantage of very few, because I have 85 years of choices I made, to consider how God turned it into good. And, how when I took matters into my hands, it was mostly destructive. God offers me this choice anytime I am hurt by another person, whether it is trivial as being cut off in traffic or being abused by someone I thought was a friend. Will I try to defend my honor, or do I choose to turn the other cheek to seek renewal of relationships and peace in my soul? With Jesus and the power He supplies, I can do better because He promises that, if I submit, He will continue to work on me to my benefit.

Steven’s final point in this passage was, “Who are you depending on?” I have at least inferred already, but my belief is, based on the Bible, that my best option is to turn to the One who created me. He knows the future. I do not. For example, I was once fired because I made an enemy who eventually became my boss. I was on the fast track to becoming his boss until I was not. The future of me is guided by God for His purposes, whether I am a follower of Jesus or not. I had the choice to listen to my prideful spirit or to listen to the mentors I believe God led into my life. I have learned to depend on God because He has proven Himself faithful. My prayer is always, “May I be found faithful to Him as well.

If you do not attend church regularly, give us a try. I am confident you will be welcomed as you are, with no expectations. We will love you as you are able to accept it and give fellowship as you want it. We meet at the Historic Theater downtown, at 10 AM, Sundays.