How do you live with the ups and downs and disappointments of life?
As I wrote about Jeremiah yesterday, I mentioned that everyone has three choices. These three choices are evident in Jeremiah 20:7-13. In these verses Jeremiah “confessed” his feelings before God. For a time he accused God of making him proclaim judgment and violence. He also lamented his desire to give up and quit. In the end, Jeremiah chose to deal with his issues creatively.
Today, I want to write about dealing with your hurts, worries, and times of discouragement creatively. What does this look like?
First, you can look for how God is working through the things you are experiencing.
Many Bible personalities give us examples of accepting our dilemma creatively and making the most of our situation. Joseph did this in Egypt. He recognized that what his brothers meant for evil God used for good. “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today’ (Genesis 50:20).
When I can look for God at work, I experience my hardship differently.
Second, you can look for people to bless even when you are discouraged.
I am always amazed how much I am blessed when I seek to be a blessing to others. There is something about lifting other people up that lifts us along with them.
Third, you can look for God Himself. God wants to make Himself known to us, and He wants us to know Him. When we struggle, we are often much more open to God. I have learned that more than anything else, spending time with God helps me to deal with my hurts and needs.
Finally, you can turn to Scripture, and let it minister to your soul.
My most helpful passage for times of disappointment is Philippians 4. In this chapter Paul tells us how to handle anxiety and disappointment (Philippians 4:4-9). He tells that we can survive in Christ (Philippians 4:13), and he assures us that God will meet all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
I thank God for how He helps in times of need.
My greatest need is to seek Him and let Him be my rest and my strength.