Pain, suffering, heartbreak, and discouragement come to all of us at some point in our lives. In light of the challenges and difficulties we experience, we have the opportunity to follow the apostle James’ admonition: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds . . .” (James 1:2, ESV). Joy is not just possible—it is attainable.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute
Day 1
Scriptures: Philippians 2:5, Proverbs 17:22, Philippians 4:4
Attitude Control
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 2:5)
One morning, the late Bishop Fulton Sheen entered a greasy spoon for breakfast. “Bring me some ham and eggs and a few kind words for the day,” he said.
The waitress returned fifteen minutes later and set the food before him. “There,” she said. “What about the kind words?” he asked. She looked him over and replied, “I’d advise you not to eat them eggs!” Sometimes the first few events of the day make it clear it’s going to be a “downer.” No matter what you do, you can’t stop life’s bad turns: the car that rear-ends yours on the way to work; the traffic jam that causes you to miss an important appointment. Yet you can choose your reaction to such irritating events.
We can live happily despite the ups and downs of everyday living, but to do so takes a great measure of dependence on Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul said it best: “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13).
Questions for Today . . .
- Am I generally cheerful and optimistic—or gloomy and pessimistic?
- How do I usually react when I’m disappointed or discouraged?
- How do my mood swings affect my marriage? How can I respond more positively to difficult events?
Prayer . . .
Dear Father, I invite You to be at work in me to grow the same attitude as Jesus Christ. I don’t want to be ruled by circumstances or moods but by Your Spirit. Amen.
(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)
Day 2
Scriptures: Romans 8:18, Philippians 4:8, Colossians 3:2
Charlie Wedemeyer
“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
Life was good for Charlie Wedemeyer. He was married to a beautiful woman, Lucy, had two wonderful children, and was a successful high school teacher and football coach. When he noticed a weakness in his hands, however, he visited a doctor. The doctor told him he had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), that in a few years he would be totally paralyzed, and that eventually he would die. Charlie’s disease worsened in the years that followed.
Time appeared to be running out. Then two things changed his life—he began using a portable respirator, and he became a Christian.
Today, more than twenty years after being diagnosed, Charlie and Lucy have touched thousands of lives during their appearances across the country. He cannot walk, speak, or even breathe on his own, but he chooses not to dwell on his infirmities.
“Pain and suffering are inescapable,” Charlie says through Lucy’s translation. “It’s up to us to decide if we’re going to be miserable or if we’re going to try to make the most of our lives.”
Charlie Wedemeyer is making the most of his. How about you?
Questions for Today . . .
- How would I respond if I faced a situation like Charlie’s (or Lucy’s)?
- So far in life, how much have I been asked to suffer?
- Who in the Bible suffered from disease or disability yet demonstrated trust in God? (For examples, see 2 Kings 5:1-14; 20:1-6; Matthew 9:27-29; Mark 5:25-29; 10:48-52; and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.)
Prayer . . .
Father, thank You for promising to be with us when we suffer. Help us not to complain too much about life’s little hurts, and help us to place our big sorrows in Your tender care. Amen.
(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)
Day 3
Scriptures: Galatians 6:2, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 25:40
The Trouble Paradox
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
When troubles line up in what seems like an endless parade, feelings of despair or helplessness can be overwhelming. One way out of this downward spiral toward depression is to reach out to someone else. Our own difficulties seem less threatening and all‐consuming when we are busy helping someone else handle theirs. The possibilities for helping others are limitless. Visit the sick. Bake something for your neighbors. Do household chores for an elderly shut‐in. Use your car for those without transportation. And, perhaps most important, be a good listener. Sometimes what a person needs most of all is simply a friend who will share his or her life for a few moments.
This is one of the powerful paradoxes of the Christian life: When we share someone else’s pain, we often shed some of our own. When we help others, we end up helping ourselves. When we lift another’s burdens, ours lighten.
Questions for Today . . .
- What do you do when you’re discouraged or depressed?
- In what ways did Jesus minister to the downhearted? Is there someone in a difficult situation who could use our help?
Prayer . . .
Dear God, thank You for Your goodness during trouble. Increasingly, make us Your instruments to help others in need. Help us to share Your comfort and testify to Your great faithfulness. Thank You that we’ll be blessed in doing so. Amen.
(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)