Issue 1 | 2024

STEPPING FORWARD
SIT WITH JESUS
May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you
trust in him, so that you may
overflow with hope by the
power of the Holy Spirit.
ROMANS 15:13 NIV
BY SHERIDAN CORREA
I WAS WATCHING MY NIECES RECENTLY WHILE MY BROTHER and
his wife went on vacation, and I experienced something amazing.
When the three-year-old got frustrated, angry, or sad, she would scream
and then run to her room. She knew what she’d done wasn’t acceptable, but
she didn’t want to follow my guidance. Instead, she ran away.
I would let her go and give her time to calm down before I went to her room
to check on her. I resisted the normal adult response of berating her, correcting
her behavior, and insisting she obey. Instead, I asked, “What happened?
What are you feeling?”
“I’m mad,” she answered. “And I feel sad.”
I asked if I could sit down and hold her. With her face downcast, she said
yes. I gathered her into my arms and, with a hug, said, “It’s okay. I understand
how you feel, and I love you.” Then we cuddled until she was calm again. Only
then did she have the heart and ability to hear and respond to my correction.
Whether you’re dealing with a child or an adult, it’s not easy to extend empathy
and accept someone who’s deliberately acting out or who isn’t where we
think they should be. As a trauma-informed care counselor and coach—and
frankly, someone who has often needed correction herself—I’ve learned that
it’s better to make connections before attempting to bring correction.
Acknowledging the emotions a person is experiencing brings peace into the
situation and helps them listen and follow instructions more easily. Instead
of feeling judged and condemned, they feel seen, heard, and loved.
I learned this model from my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout the
Bible, we see Him connecting with people on a heart level before correcting them.
There is a profound power in being present with a person, regardless of
their response. Showing true concern and care can be life-changing as it
creates a calming, divine alignment with the spirit and soul.
In this life, we’ll all have trouble. We’ll make mistakes and want to run off,
hide, and express our frustration, often inappropriately. I thank God for His
mercy and grace. He comes into our situations with love and invites us to come
close. He holds us and listens, then shares the wisdom and comfort we need.
His gentle approach allows easy correction that enables us to face hard things.
Jesus didn’t yell out correction. He didn’t
condemn or call people names to bring about
changed behavior. He never forced anyone to do
what He wanted. He communed with people so
they could spring back to life.
Jesus was never surprised by or afraid of a person’s
inner experience either. He entered into it,
just like He does today. His presence calms our
souls and helps us face whatever challenges are
before us.
That’s the Jesus who loves us, who lives inside
us, and who gives us unlimited access to Him,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
He is the Good Shepherd who connects with us
by showing empathy, unconditional love, and
constant care.
If you’re running from conflict and hiding in
frustration, stop. Give Jesus a minute...or better
yet, ten. Let Him sit with you awhile and hold you.
Let Him bring peace and speak truth to your inner
being. You’ll experience the power of His presence
and find the comfort and strength your weary
soul desires.
God will never reject, abandon, disappoint, or
leave you alone to struggle with your emotions.
He is with you always, ready to help and uphold
you (Isaiah 41:10). He is the anchor for your soul
(Hebrews 6:19). Just call out His name (Psalm
124:8; Acts 2:21).
Jesus’s last words to His disciples before He
died and ascended into heaven were “I am with
you always” (Matthew 28:20 NIV). His promise is
also for you and me. Jesus knows the challenges
we face, the twists and turns, ups and downs,
gains and losses. His presence is what enables
us to endure it all.
SHERIDAN CORREA is a biblical counselor who is
trained in trauma-informed care. She’s a wife, mother of
two teenage boys, singer, and avid runner who has been
radically changed by Jesus. She is VL’s director of content
development.
VICTORIOUSLIVINGMAGAZINE.COM
Issue 01 / 2024
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