When You Make The Right Decision, But Still Feel Pain

Sometimes we make the right decision, or do the right thing, yet still feel pain. In these distressing times, we need to pour out our hearts to God.

When You Make The Right Decision, But Still Feel Pain

August 18, 2022

It’s a lot.

My husband and I have often repeated that phrase in the last two weeks. We drove from Virginia to Colorado in order to facilitate my mother’s move to an Assisted Living facility and the sale of her house. Each day we make progress. And each day we see how much more we need to do. It’s a lot.

Fortunately, my mother, my siblings, and I all agree. My mother needs more care and support. And we all love the facility we chose. This is the right time, the right place, and the right decision. But in the process I’ve learned even right decisions can be painful.

Over the last two weeks we’ve all been stretched to our limits. As my mother prepares to leave her home of fifty-plus years, we’ve had to make a myriad of other decisions. Emotions have escalated and tempers have flared. Through it all, I keep repeating the phrase, it’s a lot, as a reminder to extend grace to myself, and to those around me.

 As I studied the psalms this week, one in particular spoke to my heart. In Psalm 62, David is in distress because his enemies speak well of him outwardly, but curse him in their hearts. Their intention is to overturn his authority (Psalm 62:3-4). In response, David pours out his heart to God and finds peace in Him. Then he encourages us to do the same:

Trust in him at all times, you people;
     pour out your hearts to him,
     for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)

This verse has become my anchor. I have truly poured out my heart to God ~ the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. And through it I have found peace ~ His peace.

As we continue on our journey, we will face distressing times. Sometimes the right decisions we make will still bring pain. Sometimes we’ll do the right thing, but still feel pain. But no matter the circumstances, I pray we remember to pour out our hearts to the One who is, and will forever be, our refuge.

 

When You Make The Right Decision, But Still Feel Pain

August 18, 2022

Sometimes we make the right decision, or do the right thing, yet still feel pain. In these distressing times, we need to pour out our hearts to God.

It’s a lot.

My husband and I have often repeated that phrase in the last two weeks. We drove from Virginia to Colorado in order to facilitate my mother’s move to an Assisted Living facility and the sale of her house. Each day we make progress. And each day we see how much more we need to do. It’s a lot.

Fortunately, my mother, my siblings, and I all agree. My mother needs more care and support. And we all love the facility we chose. This is the right time, the right place, and the right decision. But in the process I’ve learned even right decisions can be painful.

Over the last two weeks we’ve all been stretched to our limits. As my mother prepares to leave her home of fifty-plus years, we’ve had to make a myriad of other decisions. Emotions have escalated and tempers have flared. Through it all, I keep repeating the phrase, it’s a lot, as a reminder to extend grace to myself, and to those around me.

 As I studied the psalms this week, one in particular spoke to my heart. In Psalm 62, David is in distress because his enemies speak well of him outwardly, but curse him in their hearts. Their intention is to overturn his authority (Psalm 62:3-4). In response, David pours out his heart to God and finds peace in Him. Then he encourages us to do the same:

Trust in him at all times, you people;
     pour out your hearts to him,
     for God is our refuge. (Psalm 62:8 NIV)

This verse has become my anchor. I have truly poured out my heart to God ~ the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly. And through it I have found peace ~ His peace.

As we continue on our journey, we will face distressing times. Sometimes the right decisions we make will still bring pain. Sometimes we’ll do the right thing, but still feel pain. But no matter the circumstances, I pray we remember to pour out our hearts to the One who is, and will forever be, our refuge.

 

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6 Comments

  1. Sheila Daniel on August 21, 2022 at 3:48 PM

    It seems most everyone I know is dealing with something in their life that could easily be referred to as “a lot”. I’m so thankful we have a God who cares and listens intently as we pour our hearts out to Him. Lifting you and your family up in prayer as you walk through this new journey. ????

    • Shirley Desmond Jackson on August 21, 2022 at 6:19 PM

      Thank you, Sheila. All prayers are appreciated. ❤️

      • AnnMarie Chapman on August 21, 2022 at 9:46 PM

        Shirley,
        I love the way you share your life challenges with such refreshing vulnerability. My heart goes out to you, your husband and your siblings as you make such emotionally difficult decisions for your mother. I am so grateful to be reminded by you to look to King David and his example in The Psalms to pour out our hearts to Our Heavenly Father who is always there for us. You are in my prayers. Love you !

        • Shirley Desmond Jackson on August 24, 2022 at 10:32 AM

          Thank you so much, AnnMarie! I appreciate your prayers! ❤️ I also love King David’s example. ????

  2. Jody R on August 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM

    Love you my dearest friend! IT’S A LOT!! Remember to take some deep breaths, cling to the One who honors those who honor their parents, as you are doing. You (and your hubby) have been so faithful as children of your earthly parents and your Father above. God has so many riches in store for you. Big Hugs! Jody

    • Shirley Desmond Jackson on August 24, 2022 at 10:35 AM

      Thank you Jody!

      I’m so grateful for your friendship and support! ????

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