Living Beyond a Shattered Life - a podcast by David K Payne

“Affliction is a good man's shining time.” 
― Edward Young

One of, if not the most significant challenge in our lives is continuing to live our lives beyond those seasons when we are shattered by the circumstances and consequences of our lives. There are many events or series of events that bring our lives to these places where one can quickly feel all is lost. Sometimes this overwhelming feeling is the result of a single decision that goes wrong, and all seems irreversibly destroyed. Other times the distress is brought on by a series or lifetime of choices. Many times, a shattered life is not the result of doing anything wrong, instead happens while fulfilling the purpose of our lives. Some of the top things people encounter that bring the most considerable stress are the death of a close loved one, the loss of a job, a personal injury or illness, divorce, or imprisonment.  Regardless of what happens to bring you to a place of hopelessness, the question is how you move past the feeling of futility and continue to live your life well.

As a lifelong Christian, the bible has been a consistent source of direction, encouragement, and hope for me during difficult times. For the past two years, I have been personally navigating life beyond the consequences of years of mounting personal struggles, cancer, divorce and the betrayal and abandonment by people I gave my life to for almost 30 years as a pastor resulting in the failed attempt to destroy my reputation, image, and career. I have consistently sought the solace of scripture and the direction that it gives to those who will seek its wisdom. One such story is the story of David the King of Israel during a time when he made some poor personal choices, he then complicated those choices with other decision that resulted in the destruction of several lives and the death of at least two individuals. David was confronted about his sin by the prophet, and the realization of what he had done sank in, and after the death of his newborn son, David takes some definitive steps that I have found helpful in my personal life.

After an extended period of repentance, prayer, fasting all petitioning God to save the life of a newborn son, the child dies. The first thing that David does is get up and bathe himself. A great lesson to learn is the reality that after the consequences of your life have left you devastated, you must take care of yourself first. Next, David goes and worships God. David knew that despite the failures of his humanity, hope and strength for living comes from God, and those who seek God’s help will not be turned away. Then David comforted his wife. Even in our times of devastation, there are family members that will receive comfort from us and give support to us, if we will turn to them. Lastly, David knew his responsibility as a King, he raised an army, went into battle and continued to reign for many years after this shattered point in his life.

For my next several blogs, I want to delve deeper into the ramifications of each of these steps that David took, share how they helped me and encourage you to make the decisions needed to live beyond your shattered life.

 

Just Be

David

 

Further episodes of "the DKP Word"

Further podcasts by David K Payne

Website of David K Payne