It seems like these days, everyone is dealing with one situation or the other. People have lost loved ones, jobs, friends, relationships, and their minds, trying to manage it all. It is extremely difficult to see any good in a situation when things seem dire; even more so when it seems to be one challenge after another. It’s also not an easy task to support and console those in your life that are going through these circumstances when you can’t imagine what it’s like to be in their shoes. But take heart - I’m here to reassure you that despite your situation, all hope is not lost.
Life always sends crazy events our way, and at times, it’s right when things are starting to align, and/or we are making big plans (e.g., planning a vacation, buying a home, starting a business). But that’s life for you - throwing us curve balls when we least expect it. But despite the setbacks we face, the losses we experience, and the discouragement we endure, life doesn’t end here. The enemy tries relentlessly to overwhelm us with trials and tribulations to demoralize and dishearten us. But we will not let him succeed. When you focus solely on the negative aspects of your situation, it seems impossible to see any good. So, I want to give you some reminders to encourage you in these times, and to help you not dwell in a defeatist mindset.
God is Always With You
As He says in His Word, He will never leave your side. He is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. He is greater than any challenge or setback life throws at you. He is always looking out for you. Even when it feels like the world is crashing down, He has not left you to fight on your own - you need only ask for His help and to cast your burdens on Him. He is constantly looking for you to call on Him for assistance and support, but for some reason, some people still try to handle everything themselves. No matter the situation or circumstance, you “can do all things through Christ who strengthens …” you. (Philippians 4:13) So be encouraged - you are never alone when life takes a turn.
Your Circumstances Will Make You Stronger
Although it’s not the first thing that comes into our minds in the middle of a loss or trial, the events we face are meant to help us grow in some capacity. God is using this as an opportunity to create a new, stronger foundation within you for the greater things He has in store. Even when you face difficulties, on the other side of them is a new and improved version of yourself. Ironically, trials and tribulations are meant to build you up, not tear you down. Also, you may not realize it, but you are living in your answered prayers - the challenges that seemed impossible to overcome yesterday have already been conquered. So, as difficult as it may be, try to remember the positive aspects as well - it will benefit you later in life.
Suffering Doesn’t Last Forever
It may not seem like it, but things will eventually change. Our emotions can easily cause us to fall into this “end of the world” mentality and convince us of the most outrageous outcomes; however, the fact stands that your circumstances won’t last forever. One suggestion I have is rather than focusing on how long things may be taking to get better, ask God for what He may be trying to show you in this time (I’ll get into this later). Another recommendation would be writing down the things you can still be thankful for in the midst of your situation - it gets harder to remain in a negative mindset when you are reminded of all God has and continues to do for you.
Time Heals When Used Intentionally
When I say intentionally, I don’t mean you need to rush to get back to your normal life. If you lost a family member, give yourself time to mourn, pray for strength and healing, receive comfort from loved ones, etc. If your relationship ended, give yourself time to process what happened, pray for direction, adjust to being single again, etc. If you lost your job, give yourself time to understand how it happened, pray for new opportunities and roles, revamp your resume, etc. You want to allow yourself the chance to face what has transpired, but also not remain in a place of regret and sadness forever. I know people always say, “time heals,” but what truly helps you heal is intentional efforts in that time to move forward.
You Can Control Your Response
Maintaining a positive mindset makes a huge difference. Though you may not be able to control what happens to you, you can control your response and disposition towards the situation. Now, when it comes to a loss, I am not saying you shouldn’t have any feelings towards it; I am saying that as time progresses, if you maintain a defeated mindset, then things will feel like they are dragging on forever and nothing will change. If you respond with an overcoming mindset, you’d shock yourself at how much easier it is to manage the situation and how fast time can pass in the process. A strong approach that never fails is looking to your Father in Heaven for support, comfort, strength, and guidance, to heal and move forward.
God May Be Trying to Reveal Something to You
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. God may be trying to show you something you wouldn’t have seen, or understood, otherwise. For example, there may be a trait or characteristic God wants to change. Or, He may want you to stop relying on yourself whenever things get tough, and rely solely on Him. People take “looking out for yourself” too far; then they wonder why their lives aren’t panning out the way they want after they’ve exhausted themselves trying to do it on their own. I’m not saying do nothing; but I believe your first response should be to look to God for guidance and assistance before anything else. He alone has the answers you seek and will tell you how to proceed.
Your Testimony is Never Meant For You
Which leads me to my final point - you endure situations so that you can help others one day to do the same. You weren’t put on this Earth to overcome circumstances and never speak about them again; rather, you are meant to use your experiences to assist those who are facing similar situations. The easiest way to not stay in a negative mindset when tribulations are arising is to help someone in need. You will be very surprised at how assisting someone else will improve your mood and mindset. Not only that, but everything you face is an opportunity for God to receive glory. God never intended for you to suffer alone - He wants you to lean on Him and tell your story to others so they understand they can’t accomplish anything without Him.
I know the enemy wants you to believe that you will never see a better day ahead; I know he is trying to convince you to just give up; and I know he wants you to suffer in silence and believe God has forgotten you. But we can never allow the enemy to convince us of his lies or allow him to rule over any area of our life. “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) We fight the enemy and his schemes with what we have - God’s strength, God’s Word, and God’s power - oh, and faith in Him of course. And remember, “... Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalms 30:5)
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