It’s been a hard day in New Orleans, the state of Louisiana, and along the gulf coast.

We are sick over the Saints’ loss. As someone told me yesterday, I would have rather lost by 30 points.

People in the New Orleans area have long known about Saints Mondays. It’s one of those days after the Saints have lost when you are sad and depressed. I had one of those Mondays yesterday.

Now, I don’t want you to think I’ve lost my mind. After all, unless you are a member of the organization, a coach, or a member of the team, it’s only a game. The thing is, when you lose it the way the Saints did Sunday, it feels very real.

I want to use the Saints’ loss and how it made so many people feel to remind us about life and how to cope.

What should we do?

First, we really do need to put the right perspective on life. We need to look at it as it really is. Games need to be games, and life needs to be life. Sometimes, I talk to myself, telling myself what I need to hear. I need to hear, “It’s only a game,” this is temporary,” or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Second, we need to find ways to cope – – not about a football game, but about the real issues of life.

C.S. Lewis, the great intellect and Christian apologist, did his best to help the young men of Oxford University in the early years of World War II. These young men thought their future and their hopes had been taken away.

Lewis encouraged them not to think about their lifelong goals as much as the work that needed to be done right now. He talked about happy work. Happy work is that which is done for the Lord today. “Happy work is best done by the man who takes his long-term plans somewhat lightly and works from moment to moment ‘as to the Lord.’ ”

Several people in my church have gone through so much in the last month. I have encouraged them like C.S. Lewis to get caught up in the moment as much as possible, doing what they know to do today.

Third, find people to talk with or simply to be around. Life can get very hard. When we spent inordinate amounts of time alone, it gets even harder. That’s why you need a church and a church family. It’s why you need a small group Bible study. It’s why you need a close, dear friend who will be there for you in the worst of times.

Finally, you need to spend time in the presence of God, experiencing His closeness and the love and comfort only He can give.

The apostle Paul put it this way, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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“ (Philippians 4:6–7).

Spend meaningful time with God and you will also experience His meaningful life.