Shrug It Off

 

By Andrea Merrell

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us 

an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV

 

The couple had a doozy of a fight, complete with yelling, name-calling, and door-slamming.

When things finally settled down, they found themselves at an impasse. They couldn’t even agree to disagree because neither remembered what the fight was actually about.

It’s amazing how we tend to take offense and bicker with each other over trivial matters. In Jesus Calling, Sarah Young writes:

When little things don’t go as you had hoped, look to Me lightheartedly and say, “Oh, well.” This simple discipline  can protect you from being burdened with an accumulation of petty cares and frustrations. If you practice this diligently, you will make a life-changing discovery: You realize that most of the things that worry you are not important. If you shrug them off immediately and return your focus to Me, you will walk through your days with lighter steps and a joyful heart. ~ Jesus

The apostle Paul endured troubles that most of us can’t even imagine, yet he called them “light and momentary.” The Message translation calls these hard times “small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.”

Life is way too short to stay offended and tied in knots over words and situations that don’t really matter. Give them to the Lord. Then shrug them off. Your steps will be lighter and your heart filled with joy.

 

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Master Isolated Images.)

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Life is way too short to stay offended and tied in knots over words and situations that don’t really matter. Give them to the Lord. Then shrug them off. via @AndreaMerrell (Click to tweet.)