He’s Got My Back!
By Dawn Weimar
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
Middle school can be difficult. I know a young lady who was being tormented by another girl who kept pointing out other friendships in an attempt to cause jealousy and discord. My advice was to say, “I am glad you are both friends.” I also encouraged her to not be jealous, but to be happy that people can have a number of good friends. Well, needless to say, the rabble-rouser was shocked and silenced at my response. By Dawn Weimar
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
People say unfortunate things and choose destructive ways for reasons of jealousy, pride and competition. This occurs in all stages of life, in many venues, unfortunately, not just in the tumultuous teen years. What does one do when faced with this situation? I have a secret…Shhh! Do what God says, even though it seems like it is the most insane thing to do…because He said so, and because it works! Someone taught me the street slang, “I’ve got your back.” It means you’ve got someone watching out for you. Dear sister, you’ve got the Creator of the universe watching your back, so you don’t have to worry or fret!
The next time someone does you wrong, remember: “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
So, rejoice, pray for your enemies and give it to God, then relax and be kind! Let’s try that again: Rejoice, pray, then relax and be kind! The Creator of the universe, the King of Kings, has got your back! Do a little jig and praise Him!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Is there someone in your life who is causing discord among family or friends? What can you do to show kindness to her?
FURTHER READING:
Psalm 118; Genesis 45:1-15; Ephesians 6:12
Dawn is a wife and mother of three daughters, and is active in Oakwood's worship ministries. She's a pediatric nurse, currently working as VP of Business Development in Population Health Improvement.
