Help from Above

There are varying degrees of bullying severity. Whatever the degree that you are experiencing, we want to offer some hope and encouragement to you. We believe that GodJesus, the Lord might inspire or help you in many ways. When you pray to him, and really call on him, you may experience a deep peace, and a spiritual empowerment. Fear can be a powerful force, and it is a normal reaction when you are bullied. However, with your faith in God, fear can be confronted. can help us in many ways when we suffer. It is also prudent to get support from others. In your relationship with

As I have said, the risk of loosing your job if you complain or stand up for yourself is often a real one. We cannot give any specific advice about the wisdom of proactively countering bullying, as obviously every situation is different. None the less, what is clear is this: if you believe in Jesus, then you are a child of God, and you are saved. No bully can take this away, and this can be a real comfort. Looking at the Bible, we read;

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

We can know that these words are of encouragement to us. We are forgiven by God for our sin, so the power of fear itself is broken in our lives. We do not have to be overwhelmed or controlled by fear. The context of the passage is of having boldness to preach the Gospel and hold to the truth. If you are being unfairly victimised and treated badly, the reality is that God is in support of you. He is on your side: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

We are all important to God, and your suffering is before his eyes. May you have hope in your suffering, as it says: “...in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose....We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:28, 37). Not only do we have freedom from the death that our own sin has caused, we also have hope now and in the future to enjoy life with God. May you sense this hope in your difficult situation.

Jesus says in the Gospels, “Do not fear those who kill the Body, but then can do nothing to you.” Bullies can seem to threaten our whole lives, including perhaps our future financial security. They can rob us of happiness, just by their attitude towards us. But, don’t be afraid. Know Jesus is there with you.

Use the Bible, and the truth you know about God and how good he feels about you, to combat fear. The reasons why bullies do what they do are perhaps less important. They may be inadequate, they may have very empty lives, they may have a sinful enjoyment of abusing their power. On top of this, the enemy can use victimisation to bring us down spiritually, threatening our faith and hope in God.

Many or most work places can be stressful environments. Some work colleagues might seem unreasonable or harsh to us, but the reality is that they are not doing so deliberately or maliciously. It is important to make the distinction between true work bullies and people like this. Work colleagues might be so stressed by work pressure that they off load this stress on to us. This is not nice to experience, but should be seen in perspective, and can be got used to and tolerated.

Dealing With Rejection

When you have experienced rejection from others, it can be hard to trust again. Because we are all human, people (even friends) let us down. This can be very hard to accept because, if you are being a good friend to someone, you don't expect them to let you down, use you, or "drop" you when you are not needed. Even as you develop good friendships which are going well, it is wise to keep these friendships in perspective and to guard your heart from hurt, so if (or when) you are let down in some way, you are still secure. You will still be hurt, but if you depend on God, you can face this and put it into perspective. Our expectations should be realistic and limited.

The sense of rejection and worthlessness that you feel is very significant. It can act to stifle your confidence. This would make communication hard. People may think that you are shy or "a loner". They may also pick up your negative feelings and be threatened by what they sense and, consequently, react against what they perceive as weakness. This is very sad, particularly when we find it in the church, which is where we expect sympathy and warmth. But still, try to find friendship wherever you can. Through experiencing loneliness and then really appreciating the value of friends, you should be sensitised to noticing others around you who are experiencing this need for friendship.

Meanwhile, if you are experiencing loneliness at the moment, turn to God in prayer and to His Word. The Bible can be so encouraging as it reminds us of God's love for us, and that He is with us and for us. Singleness is a big issue for many Christians. It is fine if you are happy being single, but if you are desperate for a companion - as many are - well, it is so hard. Please be wise if you use internet friendship or meeting point sites, Christian or otherwise, as you don't know who you are communicating with. In the case of any meeting, always do so in a group for safety reasons, perhaps at a church function or a public place.

A Prayer For Courage

Father,

I pray for courage as I begin this day, for I understand there is work to be done, burdens to be carried, feelings to be shared and joys to be celebrated.

Grant me the courage to be silent that I may hear Thy voice; to persevere, that I may share Thy victory; and to remember, lest I forget the way by which Thou has led me.

And when this day is done, O Lord, may I have the courage to see Thy guiding hand in the friendships that have been made, in the hurts that have been healed, and in the strength that has been given.

Amen.

A Prayer For Patience

Dear Heavenly Father,

Praise be given to Your Holy name for Your forbearance and mercy. You have dealt gently with Your children in love. You have been patient with me in my humanness and stubbornness.
Lord, through the work of Your Spirit, prompt me to be more jubilant in hope, more patient in times of trouble, and more consistent in my prayer life. Teach me, Lord, to wait with faith and expectancy, and may my trials be seen as times for growth in grace. Through Christ our Lord, I pray. 


Amen.

A Prayer For One By The Bedside

Father,

Please forgive me of my sins and particularly for taking Your promises and love for granted. You provide us relief from our tedious days through Your Holy Word, and permanently fill the void in our lives through the love of Jesus Christ. Help me serve as Your instrument during my life and concentrate on matters that have eternal significance. In Jesus’ name,
 
Amen.

A Prayer Before Going Home

O Lord,

Thank you for restoring my strength and making it possible for me to return home. As I give thanks for those who have cared for me, help me to be mindful of others who have health care needs. Be with me now as I return to my daily duties so that I might guide others as You have guided me.
 
In Jesus’ name, 


Amen.

A Prayer Upon Receiving Bad News

Father,

I’ve just heard those dreaded words that I’ve prayed not to hear. My spirit is shattered.
May world is falling apart.

I want to fight, to rebel, to flee from the reality of this, yet I know that You are there.
No matter how angry, deserted, disappointed I feel, Your love will never let me go. You will provide Your sustaining courage regardless of the future. Please grant me and my loved ones courage for whatever lies ahead. Help me to remember that You do understand everything about me, and want me to come to You laying all my burdens at Your feet.
In Jesus’ name, 


Amen.

A Prayer To Sleep

Dear God,

As I lie here seeking another good night of restful sleep, give me the peace of mind and the ability to relax.

Fulfill my needs for mental and physical restoration so I may wake up ready for another beautiful day which I hope You will allow me to live to enjoy with praise and thanks to You and our Lord Jesus.
 
Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father

Who Art In Heaven

Hollowed Be Thy Name

Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Will Be Done

On Earth As It Is In Heaven

Give Us This Day

Our Daily Bread

And Forgive Us Our Sins

As We Forgive Those Who Sins Againsts Us

And Lead Us Not Into Temptation

But Deliver Us From Evil

Amen...

Prayer For a Patient Facing the Birth of a Child

Heavenly Father,
Image via Wikipedia
I thank You that the God powerful enough to create heaven and earth cared enough to create this new life within me. Thank You for this special gift of love. Please keep my baby and me healthy and strong as the time for delivery draws near. Give strength to my body so that I can bring up my child in this busy world. Give strength to my soul so that I may teach my child to know what is right or wrong. Give strength to my spirit so that I may lead my child to know Your love for himself or herself. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ name.
 
Amen.

A Prayer For Fear

Heavenly Father,

As we kneel before Your throne of grace, we ask a special blessing and benediction upon us, Your people. We particularly pray that You will shield and defend us from the ravages of fear and anxiety. Place Your protective mantle around us and our loved ones that we will be fearful of nothing. Help us, Father, to change these times of fear and apprehension into trust and assurance. Keep us steadfast and resolute of purpose in serving You and in doing Your will. Forgive our weakness and shortcomings. Lord, hear our prayer, for we give You praise, honor, glory and thanks.

Amen.