Don’t Let the Mean Girls Win

I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. — John 16:33 NIV

When I take the time to observe the world around me, I feel like I’m back in elementary school. I was teased relentlessly for my pasty skin, buck teeth, and frizzy hair. It was difficult for me to fit in, and often, I felt as if no one cared about what I had to say. One day, while in fifth grade, I summoned the courage to speak with Suzy. My heart raced as I joined the soft-spoken, redheaded girl on the swings, fearing she, too, would reject me as so many had. But that didn’t happen. Instead, we connected. Our bond was sealed by commiserating over how we’d been treated by the “mean girls.” However, once we had each other, that acceptance helped get us through the rejections we’d experienced. Ironically, Suzy later became my sister-in-law.

Looking at our country’s divisive political climate, I often feel like I’m back on the playground at school, surrounded by bullies. Daily, people argue, call names, choose sides, and pass judgment, with each participant claiming to be the only one who is right. If you don’t agree with someone, your friendship could be over.

Agreeing to disagree appears to be a lost art. Life is hard. Situations don’t always work out the way we wish they would. In a perfect world, there would be no disappointments, no mean people, and divisiveness would be a thing of the past. But our life on planet Earth is not perfect. It sometimes feels like the mean girls have truly taken over.

The good news is — God knows life is hard. In John 16, He tells us, “In this world you will have trouble.” Look carefully, He didn’t say in this world you might have trouble. We will have trouble. It’s inevitable.

When life's complications happen, turn to God’s Word. He will calm your heart and soothe your soul. The more you know Him, the more you feel His love in the midst of the battle. Even when the mean girls are the loudest voices in your head, God is still good. After all, He has overcome the world.

Points to Ponder

God tells us life will be hard and adds that we may have peace in Him.

●     What complications are you currently facing?

●     How can you trust God in those situations?