Two heads (or more than two) are better than one! Question for open discussion

The discussion that rose from our last TLC meeting about what it means to be a "Pollyanna" and the appropriate level of an optimistic outlook on trials and challenges was thought-provoking, rich, and meaningful, and thoroughly enjoying!

So when a question began percolating in my mind the other morning after reading a devotional, I thought, I know just the group of ladies to ask for insight and explanation!  Please allow me to pick your brain, and please, comment freely!

The classic daily devotional, Streams in the Desert, says (and I have heard it phrased slightly differently and other variations of the thought many other times):

 "We all know how impossible it is to rescue a drowning man who tries to help his rescuer, and it is equally impossible for the Lord to fight our battles for us when we insist upon trying to fight them ourselves.  It is not that He will not, but He cannot.  Our interference hinders his working."

Why would a Christian ever say that we hinder God in any manner?  Can man ever hinder God or be in His way?  What are we saying when we say things like that?  Surely we're not saying anything is impossible for God, or that He cannot do something.   It would be like saying that the tiniest black sugar ant in my kitchen hinders me from doing the dishes.

 

Ladies, what do we really mean when we say that God can't work without our cooperation, or that we are in His way?

Does God want me to be a Pollyanna?

We're familiar with the verse, For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11 NASB)  But as we explored, discussed and dissected this verse, many principles were shared, words defined and questions asked.  Indeed, the discussion was lively.  Because of the truth that God's plans are good, and He has given us a wonderful future and secure hope, the question was presented, "Do I speak of the future pessimistically or optimistically?  This lead to, "How do I respond to the doom and gloom naysayer?" Or on the other hand, "What about the accusation that someone is just a Pollyanna, viewing life unrealistically?"  Here are the thoughts that Joyce jotted down afterwards that she gave permission to share here.

I often drive home from TLC pondering the things that were shared. Last night I was thinking about what was said about being "Pollyannaish" (thanks, Jan for the thought provoking question). I began wondering if I really understood what that meant, so I Googled it (when I got home, not while I was driving!). I felt compelled to write down the thoughts that came to me. Here they are if anyone is interested in my ramblings:

Pollyannaish

From Wikipedia.com
1) someone who seems always to be able to find something to be "glad" about no matter what circumstances arise
2) someone whose optimism is excessive to the point of naïveté or refusing to accept the facts of an unfortunate situation

From UrbanDictionary.com
3) Belittling and often insulting term for being absurdly optimistic and good-hearted, believing in a good world where everything works out for the best all the time. Often in combination with being God-fearing and perceiving oneself standing on a higher moral ground than others

If we are considering definition #1, then I agree that we should, like Pam said, "be Pollyannaish about God" (thanks for sharing that Pam). We can always find something to be thankful for and should strive to focus on God's goodness no matter what circumstances arise. I agree with that wholeheartedly. I said last night that "No one would ever accuse me of being a Pollyanna," but that's not really true. One example is when one of my sister's was diagnosed with cancer I was saddened by the news, but not devastated because I was thankful that she is a Christian and I knew that God would use her and the situation for His glory (and He did). One family member did not share my view and accused me of being unconcerned and uncaring. There wasn't much I could say to change her perspective, and I didn't allow her to change mine. I did try to let her know that I really did share her love and concern for my sister.

It was something more like definition #2 and #3 that sparked my initial response as that has been more my experience. I have been both the offender of and the one offended by the attitude that is described in Proverbs 25:20, Like one who takes away a garment in cold weather, And like vinegar on soda, Is one who sings songs to a heavy heart

For many years I perceived myself standing on a higher moral ground than others, judging others as not being God-fearing because they were struggling with a circumstance in their life that saddened them or concerned them. Instead of coming alongside and "sorrowing with those who sorrow" I poured vinegar on their wounds with my patronizing words disguised as encouragement. God used my struggle with infertility to reveal this in myself, and He's still working on me.

Let me just add, so there's no misunderstanding, I'm not saying that we should condone any sinful attitudes or behaviors in others or ourselves. One missionary told me once that there is no excuse for bad behavior, but there's almost always an explanation. I'm grateful for the women who have come along side me, listened, got to know me and helped me understand why I struggled with certain areas so that I could replace the wrong thinking that was triggering them with truth. I thank the Lord for how He has progressed me; it's only by His grace. Still a long way to go though...

So, if someone was to "accuse me of being a Pollyanna" I would have to examine whether it is because they do not share my eternal perspective of hope in God, or is it because they are sensing that I do not care enough about them to allow them to share their perspective.

I appreciate all of you and how God made each one of us different. I am thankful for how God is using each of you in my life.

Joyce

What's Got You Worried?

Matt. 6:25-34   Our desire in this study is to understand that worry prevents us from seeking to advance His Kingdom.

I.                    Results of Worry

A.      Accomplishes nothing! (except stress, negative effect on health,  strained relationships)   V. 27 What positive or productive thing has ever been accomplished by my worries?

B.      Demonstrates lack of faith because we don’t believe what God says or we don’t trust Him.  V. 30 

C.      Shows us acting like the world which in turn affects our testimony to others.  V. 32.  Does my conversation reveal to others an attitude of worry or of trust?

 

II.                  Reasons not to Worry - What is the truth in this situation? (Phil 4:8)

A.      God is our provider (28-30) How has God provided for me recently?

B.      God knows what we need because He is omniscient.  (32)  What do you know that God doesn’t know?

C.      God is righteous (33) He will give us what is right in every sense of the word.  His way is correct.

D.     God is our Sovereign God, ruler, King (33).  What He decrees happens, what He decides comes to pass.

E.      God is our heavenly Father who loves and cares for His children.

Which attribute will help me most to meditate on in this situation that has me worried?

III.                Replacement for Worry – Instead of worrying, we are to seek His kingdom and righteousness.  (33)  How do we do that? 

How do we seek (strive for, aim for His rule)  His kingdom? 

A.       Submit to His rule and reign in our own heart.  I.e. instead of worrying about ________ I yield it to God’s desire and plan.  Elizabeth George emphasizes the importance of time alone with God in prayer to get his perspective and ordering of the day.  Her summary of verses 33 is “deal with today” in order to help us win over worry.  She gives 5 keys to winning over worry:  Prepare, Plan, Pray, Proceed and Trust God to Provide.  She shares how she used these steps in battle worry as she faced the possibility of her husband going oversees in the Persian Gulf War.  She has another chapter on how these 5 keys can help in dealing with today when you face ongoing suffering on a daily basis. (From the book, Love the Lord with All Your Mind)

B.      Desire to see His rule in the lives of others.  I.e. it might be to pray for ____ to follow God’s direction.  In other situations it might be to teach and encourage a friend to follow God’s (the King’s) way.

C.      Participation in the growth of God’s Kingdom.  I.e. personal witness (share with others how God was worthy of my trust and how He alone could meet my needs.)  Is there a way God wants me to get involved in being part of solution instead of worrying about it. 

How do we seek His righteousness? God’s righteousness is a moral correctness of thinking, feeling, and acting

A.    Correct thinking – Phil 4:8; Finally, brethren, whatever is true, ….dwell on these things.      Correct feeling – Heb. 1:9, “You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness above Your companions.”                                                                                                         Correct acting – Heb. 11:33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions…

B.      Be trained in it through His Word –II Tim 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;

C.      Practice it – I John 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Another quote by Mrs. George:  “When you being to live out the command of Matt 6:33, Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then you begin to realize the promise of Matthew 6:33, the promise of God’s provision of all that you need… the truth that make it possible for you to win over worry- and all these things shall be added to you.”

Will I worry or will I use it as an opportunity to seek the advancement His Kingdom and righteousness?

In what situation in your life right now is God giving you that choice?