So many times when something negative occurs in our lives we have questions: “Why is this happening?” “Why did it happen?”and of course, “Why me?” It’s easy to wonder these things when bad things happen, especially something traumatic. But I’d like to turn the tables on these questions. What if we looked at things from the positives?
What if we took the good things that occur in our lives and ask the same question? For example: Why do I get to live near a beautiful beach? Why was I able to have a good education and go to college? Why was I born in a country where there’s freedom to vote, to worship, to aspire to be in whatever career I want to? Why me? Why did this happen to me?
Interesting perspective, huh?
Unfortunately I don’t have an answer to the “whys” (only God does), but it IS amazing how our minds want us to dwell on the negatives.
The other day while driving home from an appointment I was having a pity party. The traffic was awful, the weather was turning bad, and I was tired from not sleeping well the night before. As I was whining, the Lord brought up Philippians 4:8 to me — “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” I felt ashamed at my attitude. That’s when I switched the “why me?” question.
Why do I get to drive myself in my own car to appointments? Why do I get to sleep in my own bed in a nice house with the comforts of heating and air conditioning no matter what the weather is outside? (I’ve been to many other countries where it was common to not have any of these things.) I am truly so blessed by Father God in many ways.
He also told me to not always think, “Why do I have to….?” But rather think, “Why do I get to…..?” To take what I feel as a burden, as a privilege instead. And to see responsibilities as opportunities to serve, not obligations to perform.
I know bad things really do happen to all of us at times, but I don’t have to “think on” those things and reside in the negative realm. I can flip the question and make it a point of praise.
God has His plan for each of us, and I’m so grateful for the blessings He’s given me in my life. He’s a good, good Father and He always will be.
By Cyndi