In the Ups and Downs

IN THE UPS AND DOWNS Nº 180 weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - January 11, 2022

Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light. - Helen Keller

Two of the Bible’s toughest commands are inseparably linked: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” (Romans 12:15) Rejoicing is hard when the promotion goes to a co-worker, your neighbor parks her shiny new car next to your old clunker, a friend catches the biggest fish, or when everyone raves about your co-host’s dessert and no one mentions yours. Likewise, when we hear of a friend’s pain, we have the tendency to avoid engagement. We rationalize, they probably don’t want to hear from me. Or I’ll give them a little time, room to grieve. Or I have enough trauma of my own to deal with. However, the command is clear; we are told to stay engaged in people’s lives during the good times and the bad. Relationships matter. Don’t minimize the joys that fall to friends, and don’t shy away from others’ trauma In 2022, invest in relationships during the humdrum of everyday life. The friendships you build in the day-to-day will be the platform from which you can show God’s love and speak God’s truth during the highest highs and lowest lows. Multiply the celebrations of others and support them during times of deep despair.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc