Have you ever stopped to consider that there will be a harmful splashing effect on others when our own personal struggles manifest themselves in an inappropriate manner?  Often this occurs when instead of  first taking our struggle to the Lord, we take it directly to the nearest sympathetic ear. This habit becomes very counter-productive, especially when our primary aim is sympathy rather than salvation from self. 

The easiest time to recognize “elusive”self is when struggles arise. Its first response is always personal “relief”,  to remove the difficulty rather than to go through it. Self builds its support walls  so as to say “NO STRUGGLES ALLOWED!” – and  then we  wonder why true peace and joy are lacking.

Sounding boards (sympathetic ears) may offer struggle some temporary pain relief, but they provide no cure.  The true remedy is always found in His presence; that’s where there is fullness of JOY.  When HE stands with us in the midst of our trouble, no words are needed, He is enough.

Be still O my soul, so the reflection of His light can be seen.

“Whatever the difficulties of the times, and our sorrow because of divisions in the church and a corrupt gospel in the world, it is ever open unto us to please God. If this great success of pleasing God be not ours, in ourselves lies the hindrances.”
“Humility is the secret of fellowship, and pride the secret of division.” ~R.C. Chapman