“I’m sorry, it’s cancer.”

“We’re eliminating your position.”

“I’m not pregnant.”

“Your tax bill is $3,714.08.”

“I’m pregnant.”

“You’ll need a new transmission.”

“I want a divorce.”

How do you react to trouble or bad news?

Panic? Denial? Anger? Depression? Escape? Fear? Sadness?

I don’t mean right away. It wouldn’t be normal if there wasn’t an initial panic or fear or something. I mean later…a few days later. Once the initial shock has worn off…what do you do?

Sometimes my initial reaction of panic or fear turns to anxiety. That usually happens after I’ve figured, calculated and analyzed…and can’t see any way to fix things. I’m getting better than I used to be, but too often, that’s still what happens.

What should I do?

James 5:13 says, “Is any of you in trouble? He should pray.”

Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I think the key to this kind of prayer is doing more listening than talking. God already knows my needs. My bad news never catches him by surprise. I need is His perspective. I need to be reminded that God controls people and events and circumstances.

More than arguing my case before Him, I simply need to remember His goodness, love, faithfulness and power. That comes as I allow His word to soak into my heart and mind, not as I do all the talking.

In trouble? Pray…the listening kind.