Scripture

Psalm 90:12 (New Living Translation)

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Consider

It is not wise to think we have all the time in the world to mend a relationship, to say what needs to be said, or to ask for someone’s forgiveness. We might let a difficult situation drift either because we don’t know what to do about it or because we are unwilling to do what needs to be done.

Although we can’t know how much time we really have, we can trust God to supply us with all the resources we need to accomplish his work for us today.

If you are hip-deep in a relationship conflict, or in a standoff that seems to have no end in sight, lay the situation before God and ask what he would have you do about it today. Perhaps all he requires is that you examine your own heart to see if you are harboring any malice or jealousy or bitterness. Or perhaps he is asking you to reach out and try for a reconciliation.

However God answers your prayer, let him supply you with whatever you need for the task—wisdom, compassion, boldness, patience, humility. Then trust him for the outcome, taking comfort in the knowledge that he will always work for your good.

Pray

FATHER, I confess that I have been reluctant to deal with difficult relationships because I was angry or afraid or confused or proud. Show me when it’s time to reach out to a person who has been adversarial and give me the spiritual gifts I need to say and do the right things. I pray that each act of obedience in these instances will draw me closer to You.

Reflect

Psalm 39:5; Romans 8:28

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Is there a relationship in your life that God is nudging you to do something about?