Does this road sign sum up how you are feeling this year?
Our 2020 world is being so shaken up that it is difficult to not be overcome by all the stress we and our loved ones are experiencing! Our loving God has given us several strategies in His Word to help us in our struggle to not succumb to the effects of these trials, but instead to develop Godly character through our trials.
Seek to think differently and grow closer to God. Job's view of himself, life, and his creator was changed to be pleasing to God through his suffering. We should learn from Job’s experience to maintain patient respect and trust in God even in the midst of our sufferings (James 5:10-11).
Seek to change your focus. When focusing on our pain, we forget the great things we love in life. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul tells that to have a peace that is beyond understanding, we need to pray along with thanking Him for what He has given us, refuse to worry, and focus on the positive things in life. Put the past behind you and let the little things go.
Refuse to play the victim. Do not allow yourself to become a prisoner of suffering and fear. In Galatians 5:1, Paul encourages us to not choose to be a victim of any sort of bondage! Christ has made us free! Begin to memorize scripture, find a way to be physically and mentally active in order to distract yourself from your pain.
Reach out to someone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us that two are better than one because they can help each other, and Hebrews 10:25 tells us to not neglect reaching out to others for mutual comfort and encouragement. Find a way to reach out where you can. It is important to hear another voice and see another face!
Don't try to deal with everything at once. Face your challenge with the realization that today will not last forever. Tackle one issue at a time and allow yourself to rest mentally as well as physically. Meditate on God's word and memorize scripture to stave off negativity and depression. Psalms 118:24 is a good place to start.“This is the day which the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” and determine to do so in spite of your difficulties. Another is to use Proverbs 3:5,6 while speaking to God saying, "I will trust in you Oh Lord, with all my heart! I will not rely on my own understanding!" "In all my conversations, thoughts, and all my life, I will include you and trust you to direct my paths as you have promised!"
Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you can, get yourself out into the sunshine and fresh air. Start with 10 minutes if this task is too daunting, then increase the time each day. Look around at God's creation and Praise Him for He is Good!
Ask God to help you get back your sense of humor. It is so easy to lose the ability to see humor in life, but He will help you to find it again if you ask. It will help immensely in the healing process.
Let Jesus have your struggles. You cannot and need not carry it, let God take care of it! Run to Him and picture His outstretched arms catching you and holding you close. Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom (or what) shall I be afraid? He is in control, so let Him be.
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