Stress Management - a Biblical Guide
Just as the proverbial dark cloud has a silver lining, so every dark midnight has a badkground glow - but only for those who see the hand of God bringing good from all of life's hurtful events. "'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and ot to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'" (Jer 29:11).
Jerusalem has been attacked 24 times and destroyed 19 times; it has seldom known the peace the psalmist urges us to pray for. Jesus wept over the city, foreseeing its destruction 40 years later, "because you did not recognize the time of God's coming to you." Through his tears Jesus lamented: "If you had only known what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 10:42-44). For those who don't recognize God's involvement in our life and his concern for us in our trials, there's no divine brilliance to offset the tribulatory gloom. God's hurt is seeing that his loving presence is unrecognized by us.
This excerpt is from the book Coping with Life's Darkest Moments, by John H. Hampsch,C.M.F., originally published by Queenship Publishing Company. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/visual materials can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408.