3 Ideas on What To Do When the Bad Happens — A Christian Approach

Words of wisdom come from various places and at unexpected times. Sometimes in the midst of wondering what to do when the bad happens. That was my experience last week.

A wise friend was reflecting on his learning from a study of Genesis over the past year. And, as often happens with God in this life, his summary reflections were a fresh encouragement to me.

Ones that reminded me of the (sometimes) unseen hope that is at work in our lives.

Among his observations were these:

• Seeing Joseph and the repeating phrase “and the Lord was with him.” This occurred throughout the time — in the pit, slavery, prison, commanding in Egypt). Not just the good ones but the difficult. Not just when God seems near but when He feels far.
• Hearing Jacob say, “the Lord has been a shepherd all of my life” throughout the times of Esau, Laban, two wives, four mothers, 12+ kids, and many losses.
• In the midst of evil done to him (by family AND others), Joseph’s classic summary reflection comes that “What you intended for evil, God redeemed for good.”

It’s one thing to have these on the good days. But knowledge in the head doesn’t mean application in life. It’s a whole other thing to learn how to live them in the moments of darkness when feeling distant from God or His good.

But knowledge in the head doesn’t mean application in life.

And it is powerful to see how we get to know God and the good gifts of our lives even as a result of the difficult things.

How to Think About the Bad

Living life as a Christian is bound up in the concept of a Nothing Wasted Life. It can be summarized in two ways:

• God does not waste even the difficult in our lives but brings good. That good cannot always be quantified but often you can see some sort of fruitfulness in your life — often later. Or the good goes to someone else in how you can comfort them. But God won’t waste it. 
• As we follow Jesus, we don’t want to waste our lives. Whether it is in more activity or rest, there is a desire to live in God’s presence and for His glory.

One of the ways God brings about something good from something bad is through our lenses. We tend to experience the good from the bad. Things we ordinarily ignore become appreciated. 

• Winter yielding to spring or summer.
• Falls refreshment from summer’s high temperatures.
• Fasting makes us appreciate food.
• Abandonment by a friend awakens to new relationships.
• A job loss can lead to more satisfying work.

That is not to say we must have the bad to see the good. But sometimes the “good” that God brings from the bad is to see what is good again. It is good for us to see who God is in such times. 

But sometimes the “good” that God brings from the bad is to see what is good again. 

3 Ideas on What to Do When the Bad Happens

• When the bad happens, let it remind you there is also good God is doing. When the difficult or painful happens, there are various ways our brains react, including stress responses such as the release of cortisol or going into the “fight or flight” response from the amygdala part of the brain. Knowing our responses is helpful because there are times they can hijack our thinking. In such moments, our minds race, catastrophizing, no hope pessimism, etc. When the bad happens, try to have it as a tool to say “God is in this and will bring good.” Even just reminding yourself of God’s presence and the good can have a calming effect. It will help you slow down and be in a place to see with fresh eyes and experience the Holy Spirit’s comfort. 
• Actively look for the good. This is where our faith and what we believe about God comes in. After reminding that God is presence and good, it can be helpful to look for some good. Some areas it might be: a way your character is being changed, developing humility, your hardship may help bring comfort to others later, or even “just” that it is a suffering that is being like Jesus. Watch with expectation for good. It may not come immediately. But look for the new job, the text at just the right time, etc. 
• When in discomfort, what is it reminding you? This can be a time to reflect on good things. For example, when I am hungry, it makes me aware there is food. In the dark, I have a sense of my need for light to walk. This time of pain reminds us that this is not the way it is supposed to be. That there is a comfort to come where all will be comforted, healed, and led. 

It is not easy knowing what to do when the bad happens. Especially alone. If you find yourself in painful, difficult circumstances, don’t walk it alone. Invite someone in. Ask what good they may see. Or just lament with them. It is okay to grieve or complain but it is best to do together as we turn to God. We bring the pains of this unjust world and look to His final and full help.

Do you have ideas for us on how to see the “good” in the midst of the difficult?  

(And, yes, God uses the everyday stuff too at times — so we’d be glad to hear of your favorite comfort ice cream flavor!!)

Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels