Of Physics and Physiques

Rom. 8: 37 Yet, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us

I’ve never been great at physics and my physics teacher, who, by the way, was a great teacher, would not be amused if he knew how much I have forgotten. One thing that stuck in my mind though – and I don’t know why – is Newton’s Third Law of Motion which states that “every action has an equal and opposite reaction”. Now, if Dr. T is not amused by how much I have forgotten, he might be even less amused by how I use this law, but sometimes we have to live dangerously.

Let’s face it, life can be rough sometimes. Every day we face one challenge after another. No wonder so many people are depressed and so many do violent or ridiculous thing as a reaction to stress and frustration. But here is something that is both strange and true: while some people in bad situations are dying with depression and frustration, others in the same situation are coping well with the challenges and are even achieving great success. Yes, each challenging situation causes a reaction against it, but the reaction varies from person to person.

It is really a matter of attitude and perspective – how you look at life. When David found himself with a “rotten egg” son, he could have dealt with him firmly and brought him back in line. Instead, conscious of his own weaknesses, he was too soft on Absalom and almost lost the kingdom. The Apostle Paul, beaten, stoned, jailed and rejected did not spend time in self pity or run away in fear, but each time just bounced back like a rubber ball, coming stronger than before.

So how will you react to circumstances? Harbouring negative thoughts and feeling sorry for yourself will only depress you and affect your mental and physical health. No money for food? It is perhaps a good time to discover how many creative ways you can cook dasheen. JPS took your light? Now you can enjoy the moonlight in your own bedroom, just before you get a long night’s sleep. While you are waiting for that job that doesn’t seem to be coming, do some farming and build those muscles with some good hard work. Don’t get knocked about by circumstances. You are bound to overcome if you remember God has declared you and will guarantee you are a winner.

Dear Lord, thank you for the assurance that despite any circumstances I am, and will always be, a winner through your power, in Jesus’ name, amen