We’ve all been there, and we all know it’s true. Life can seem so heavy, and life can get you down.

I think about this issue often because I see this happening all around me.

It’s strange, isn’t it? We who have so much find that life is heavy and hard to deal with.

What do we do when life gets us down?

There may be 100 answers to this question. Let me give you four that will help you when you are struggling with life.

First, find a loving, kind, and encouraging friend who will stick with you through hard times. God didn’t give us the church only for this reason, but he did give us the church to be a blessing to others. Most likely, you are going to find that loving, caring friend at church.

If you haven’t found a church home, this should be at the top of your to-do list. Getting involved in a church and making it your home will be a real help in many areas of your life.

Second, spend time in Holy Scripture. God is a God of love and encouragement. He is a loving, heavenly Father who cares about your needs. Let His word bring comfort and encouragement to your heart.

Third, practice thanksgiving. When we focus on what we have to thankful for, we begin to look at life appropriately. One of the great hymns is “Count Your Blessings.” It encouraged believers to name and count their blessings.

It’s a great practice that will help you. I did this one time and became very tired. Your blessings are many, and you need to focus on those blessings.

Fourth, look at life clearly and logically. Most of the time things are not awful – – even if we think they are awful. We need to look at life through the filter of God’s work in our lives.

Simon Peter put it this way: “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7).

Sometimes, we simply need to talk to ourselves and remind ourselves that the same God who has always been with us will be with us now.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

If you find this helpful, please pass it along. And please encourage your friends to subscribe to my free ministry dealing with Christian living and pastoral leadership. They can subscribe below.