Sometimes, when going through difficult times, one of the things that we don’t like to hear is “Don’t worry, just trust God.” Often we think of such statements as being insensitive; as if they are making light of the troubles that we are facing. Actually, What I really want to say to them at that moment is, “Get lost!”

But trying to be the nice person that I am, I keep it to myself. But we really want someone to sit with us and sympathize with our situation, rather than offering solutions. Pain numbs our senses and makes it difficult to view life appropriately and to think logically. Instead of looking at our situation as a normal part of life as most people experience it, we think of it as unique. We think how easy others have it, but our lives are in shambles.
Peter was writing to a group of people who were suffering severe trials such as they had never experienced before. He gave them a simple answer similar to the one given above. Peter wrote: “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The believers underwent insults and physical attacks because of their faith. Some were even tortured to death. He describes their tormentors with these words: “….Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
In the midst of such severe trials, he gives what may seem like a simple answer for a complex situation. Yet, this was the answer that they really needed. The truth is that Jesus does care for them. It is a test of their faith. Sometimes, it is necessary for us to hear the truth, even though we may prefer not to.
So, what do you do when you hear “simple” solutions and answers from people? Share it in the comments section of this blog post

When our kids were small, we visited our friend’s home whose children were in their early teens. We all had a great time together as we discussed various parenting struggles. The kids were there as well doing their own stuff.
About half way into the conversation, my friend switched to a complaining mode and began sharing how the kids were not doing well in school and how they are struggling to keep order in their home and wondering how they will make it financially, and a swirl of other struggles as well.  At that moment, in the midst of the games the kids were playing, his son turned around and said “Yea, he’s really just stressed out.” My friend’s face turned to an embarrassed look, realizing his son had correctly identified his real situation.
It seems we often get “broad-sided” and blinded by our circumstances. We get caught by the whirlwind or caught in the current of our situation. In the midst of that, we loose our perspective. It’s really an element of surprise coupled with confusion. Reality becomes difficult to gauge, and it becomes somewhat of a “pseudo-reality.”
Although this was the case with my friend, his son had another perspective. Very close and living under the same roof, their perspectives were quite different. He was in the midst of his turmoil, unable to see beyond it. But his son was like an observer looking at the situation from a different vantage point. His son’s perspective was broader and clearer.
So what does it take for us to step out of the situation and get a different perspective? Is it possible for us to step out? Is that even an option for us? Can we become an observer of our own life?