These Times Are Difficult. How Are You Handling It?

How Are You Handling It?

There is a good reason for this off-schedule blog post.

The foundation of this country has been rocked recently by the injustice that has been brought to the forefront. In particular, the injustices that black people have experienced.

Unfortunately, the relationship between the government/laws of this country and people of color (specifically black people) have been very strained since the very beginning.

Back from when the first slave ships arrived at the nation’s coast.

Now, the wounds of discrimination and injustice have been cut open again, what are you to do?

The people suffering are overwhelmed, and those who are non-black are unsure of themselves.

How do we handle all this pain?

Well, the Bible is very clear about God’s hate for injustice.

The Word offers more than a couple of scriptures speaking on God’s heart, empathy and love for those who are suffering and in pain.

For those who are directly impacted, I have listed these three scriptures that I find particularly helpful.

These scriptures remind me that God hears my cries at night and that He bears my pain with me:

Psalm 61:1-2

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend to m prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.“

Isaiah 53:4-5

“Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.“

1 Peter 5:7

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.“

I’m sure you’re thinking, “This is great, and all. But is this supposed to solve all of my problems and feelings right now?“

Honestly, no.

What these scriptures do are remind that you don’t have to carry the weight of any of these issues by yourself.

You have a great and loving God who is carried all of these burdens for you when He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross for us.

The pain of the world is too heavy of a weight for any one person to carry, and it will break you.

But it doesn’t have to. Let God carry it for you.

How can you help others who are in pain?

And now to you all who are allies to those who have been suffering lately, there are scriptures for you too.

Scriptures that both comfort you in your insecurity and instruct you on how to help:

Exodus 23:2

“You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.”

Deuteronomy 10:18

“He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.”

Psalm 25:9

“The humble He guides in justice, And the humble He teaches His way.“

Psalm 82:3

“Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy.“

Now there are many more scriptures that pertain to providing justice to those who are in need of it – so allies, you have work to do.

And black people, so do you. The work starts internally and at home, for both parties.

What is the solution?

So, start!

Have the hard conversations about racism, prejudice and about the nation’s history with your family and close friends.

See where you can educate yourself, so that you can step out into the world equipped with knowledge, and with new boldness in that knowledge.

This phrase will sound cliche, but cliches are cliches because usually the principal behind them holds true: “Change starts with you“.

Don’t underestimate the influence you may have in your family and friend circles.

The moment you begin to check and hold accountable the irresponsible group thinking, and offer a new perspective, you will start to see a difference in your surroundings.

You will have a ripple effect on other communities and groups.

I’m so glad that I get to have you as my reader, you world-changer (even with just reading this blog post, you’re off to a great start).

Need to care for and protect your mental health during this time? Head over to Resources page to download your free study guide. Need to talk? I’m here for you.

Thank you for the difference you’re making. I’m praying for you!