Let's Go Back to the Bible

Making the best of a bad situation

We face them all the time…sometimes daily…but to different levels or degrees. Car problems, unexpected home repairs, conflict at work, conflict at home, health issues, death, disappointments, mistreatment from others, broken friendship, loss of job, etc., etc. Bad things happen all the time. “Time and chance happen to [us] all” (Ecc. 9:11). (Easily remember where this verse is located by looking at the three numbers: 9-1-1.)

What do we do when bad things happen? First and foremost, pause and talk to God, no matter what it is (1 Pet. 5:7). Second, recognize there are many things out of your control and there is nothing that you can do to change them. Accept that. Third, identify what you can control and work on that. Fourth, ask yourself, “How big a deal is this? Really?” How much of this situation can you (should you) just let go and move on? Fifth, if the situation warrants, identify one or two people that you can lean on for support—wise counsel you can trust, who will talk to you straight, who may have been there themselves. Sixth, you’re not done. Talk to God some more!