Word from the Pastor: Dr. David Bittinger

Five Steps to Peace in Difficult Days (Part 1)


What is your source of peace in these difficult days of the early 21st century? You may be

fighting a financial battle due to unemployment and the looming prospect of foreclosure on your home. Maybe you’re facing a serious health issue that could drastically alter your life. It may be that your family and marriage are in great turmoil and threatening to dissolve. Just fill in the blank. It has been said, “We’re either headed into a crisis, in the middle of one, or coming out of one.” Coming out of one is our first choice. Hindsight gives us a better understanding of God’s plan in our pain, which may provide some peace. The Apostle Paul provides some steps to real, lasting peace in Philippians 4:4-9.

First, focus on God not your difficulty. That’s much easier said than done, but that is what Paul means, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice” (v.4 NIV). He’s not saying rejoice in your trials, but rather rejoice in your trust in God which is different. Real joy flows from a core belief that God is in control of all things and only allows things which are for your ultimate good into your life. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV). The Apostle James said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when ever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2 NIV). The trials don’t bring joy; it’s what God is doing in and through us that brings joy. Because we are assured that He loves us and always has our best interest at heart. That’s what Job did when a double disaster of losing his possessions and family hit him; he said, “Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Second, learn the blessing of serving others. Paul says, “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (v.5). Whenever you focus on God His Spirit will motivate you to serve others. Gentleness in this text means showing kindness, patience, and concern for others. How can you develop a gentle nature? Paul says by living each day with awareness that God is close to you always. As His nearness provides comfort, hope and strength to you so you should be His ambassador to others proclaiming the blessings of being in close relationship with God. As you experience a daily intimate relationship with God His serving and loving character will grow in you naturally. Just as apple blossoms grow out on a healthy apple tree branch and continue to grow into mature, beautiful, delicious apples over time. So, if God’s Spirit is flowing in you daily your life will produce, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NIV).

Third, lift all your troubles to God in prayer. I’ve had nights when my mind was so filled with anxiety over circumstances that it was difficult to sleep. Paul says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your request to God” (Phil. 4:6 NIV). To be continued….

Pastor David Bittinger

Kid's caught in the the middle of a Divorce

Recently, I spoke with teens and children who are caught in the middle of the  "crossfire" of their parent's divorce.  Even though this divorce was more peaceable than many---the kids are still having a very hard time trying to "find themselves"---in the middle of all the changes their family has experienced the last year.
 
Some of the common issues are:
(1) Dad is gone; who is in charge now?? Mom tries to be both the disciplinarian and the nurturer--which makes everyone very confused and angry. Mom needs support and the kids need to respect Mom's new position of authority.
(2) We did not ask for this!! This is not FAIR---we never thought our family would end up this way!!!---The injustice, unexpected results and limitation of choices in the matter for children of divorce--causes a lot of angry outbursts.
(3) When a parent has acted selfishly--the kids react with their own selfish behaviors.  It now is everyone fighting for "what they think is right in their own eyes."---instead of pulling together for the common good of the whole family.  Selfish behavior breeds angry words, acting out behaviors, and feelings of mistrust and abandonment.

How to help pull the family back into a "functional --working together team" is a major focus of family counseling.

If we can help you and your family---contact our qualified family therapists at:
Stillwater Counseling Services
330-524-5125

Submitted by Dr. David L. Bittinger - Pastoral Counselor

The Fog That Can’t Win

I woke up early in the morning looking forward to another beautiful spring sunrise. As I peered out the eastern window, rather than seeing the golden rays of sunshine the scenery had undergone a significant change. Dense fog covered everything. As I walked to the mailbox the billows of fog rolled over the houses in the neighborhood and filled the street. It looked almost like our homes were being consumed by the fog. The morning light from the sun that should have been streaming down upon us by this time in the morning was no where to be found. Briefly, it looked like the fog was winning. However, experience reminded me that the sun would rise above the menacing fog, and in a short time, the fog began to quickly fade under the power of the piercing sunshine.

The fog never stood a chance; it is no match for the inevitable victory of the sun even in Northeast Ohio, or in the foggy moments in our lives. Maybe you’re in one of those seasons at this time. It’s been a time of loss, of pain, of confusion, of doubt, or a time of just no answers. Maybe you’ve been living in a fog where evil seems to be winning. The fog has rolled into your life and obscured things that you once were very sure of. It’s covered the joy you once had with a mist of sadness and despair and even ideas of giving up. But if you trust in Jesus Christ, the One who rules the universe and cares about you personally, the fog can’t win! The sun of God’s power and love in your life is greater than the fog that surrounds you, no matter how thick, no matter how overwhelming that fog may seem. Psalm 84:11 says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”

God gives us hope right from His heart, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man” (Psalm 112:4 NIV). The dark, dense fog should not change the person you are. You should continue to be a gracious, compassionate and kind individual. Don’t let the light of God inside you be dimmed by the rolling fog around you. Psalm 112 continues to say: “Good will come to him…surely he will never be shaken…he will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord…in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.”

In the end the fog that seems so overwhelming and in impenetrable presently doesn’t stand a chance against the rising sun of God’s penetrating power. Evil may seem to have it’s time in your vista, but the Son it going to win! The grief and pain will not last forever. The sadness and despair of the fog is going to give way to God’s wonderful sunlight. Don’t lose hope. Don’t stop trusting. Don’t stop doing what is right just because the fog has come. The light may seem slow in coming, but it can’t be stopped. The sun’s rising up and the fog can’t win.

Pastor David Bittinger

Christian Life Center - Kent, OH

Stillwater...more than just a name!!!

"Stillwater" is more than just a name for a counseling service.  It is a place where people like you can seek healing for the mind, body, and soul.  As we all face times of stress, broken relationships, hurtful experiences in life; there are times we need some place to go to find healing of the soul.

The soul has been defined as "that part of the human that thinks, feels emotions, and makes choices of the will".  Often when in need to find peace I seek out a quiet lake or a soft babbling stream or an evening walk along a quiet beach.  Nothing is more quieting for the soul as experiencing the soothing rythms of nature and a quiet talk with God our creator.

In scriptures of old, King David penned the words, "He leads me beside stillwater, he restores my soul."(Ps 23:2b) God is the restorer of our souls; but he also leads us to places of healing. 


My prayer for you is that Stillwater will be a place of healing for you in times of confusion, grief, disappointments, and discouragement.  We want to bring words of life to your soul.


Your friend,
Liz Bittinger, PCC
Professional Clinical Counselor