When it gets tough

Life has it ups and downs like everything else. We get used to the everyday downs. We learn to discipline a disobedient child, and give comfort to our child with a cold. We can put together a meal for a friend in need and deal with a schedule change.

But what happens when after months of dealing with the same issue, another is added, and then another? What happens when “things” completely outside your control happen to you and to those you love in rapid succession? Whether the issues are learning glitches, disobedience, schedule upsets, church family problems, extended family problems, health challenges, livelihood difficulties, etc., when these “things” come and stay–or grow in severity–it’s easy to be discouraged.

You may remember intellectually that God is working all things for good for you, and maybe you can even see the good–but it’s still hard. You are hurting. You feel as though you have been wounded in battle.

Recently this happened to me. I felt totally discouraged. Every family member was facing yet another challenge that seemed insurmountable.

As I cried out for help, the Lord answered with the phone call from a friend. She quickly picked up the fact that I was battle weary and said, “Since you are on the ground anyway, go all the way down and just worship Jesus.”

As I began to thank the Lord for all He has given me through Jesus, the discouragement gave way to hope. I became more aware that faith in God is not based on circumstances or what He does for us, but it is based on who He is and His truth.

While my circumstances have not changed, I am no longer discouraged. God is happy to fight my battles for me. I can trust His care and praise Him from the battlefield.

“Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me…My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.” Psalm 57:1-2, 7

– christian perspective