Adapted from God's Way Through Worry by Janice Thompson
The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.
Psalm 9:9 ESV
Leigh struggled to get along with her mother much of her life. Mom’s behavior was erratic and a little off-the-wall at times. It wasn’t until Leigh was grown that she realized her mother was dealing with mental illness. It was affecting every area of her life—her job, relationships, and even her finances.
Once this was discovered, Leigh was able to calm down and see the situation differently. In other words, her reactions to her mother’s erratic behavior changed, which helped diffuse the situations that cropped up. She tried to see her mother’s struggles through God’s eyes, which kept her from overreacting when Mom did something irrational.
Maybe you’re dealing with someone whose behavior is perplexing at best. She startles people with her behaviors, and you’re at a loss to know how to respond. You tend to react, which only makes things worse. Today, try to see that person and their struggles through God’s eyes. Ask for His vision, His clarity. Then pray that your loved one will be healed mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Isn’t that what you really want? It’s not enough to win an argument with a loved one or to prove a point. What you really want is true and lasting healing, and that begins with love and understanding. Only your Waymaker can give you that. So, lay down those worries, and trust Him to make a way through this tricky situation.
Lord, I’ll stop worrying about those I cannot fix. Their problems and issues are in Your hands. You’re the only One who can heal heart, mind, body, and spirit. Move in my loved one’s life today, I pray. Amen.