When Life Gets Tough
Lately, I’ve read some Facebook posts sharing concerns about inner struggles. I marvel at the transparency you reveal. I admire the loving-kindness you show one another. And I love the way you ask for prayers.
And yet, my heart aches for you during the times your hearts are aching. I know I can’t erase your pain. So I join you in prayer and hope that tomorrow will allow you to take a deep breath.
A blister will heal. A scraped knee is helped by a colorful bandage. Not so with the heart.
When my heart has been scraped or torn or even broken—it’s those times that I’ve learned some of the toughest lessons in my life.
Several weeks ago I swallowed the acrid, unpleasant taste of resentment when someone was asked to complete a project that I wanted. Oh, how I wanted it.
But, in all this I hadn’t once asked the Lord if He had something else in mind for me. I never bothered to inquire of Him if I should take a step back and simply rest. Never mind that waiting has never been my strong suit.
Then early one morning during prayer time, God reminded me that my plate was filled with His blessings and gifts, and that I already had abundant opportunity to be heard. Ouch! And, honestly, He told me to get over my self-perceived slight and pay attention to what He’d already allowed me to have and do. Yep, that’s what He whispered. Double ouch!
You’d think that at this point in my life, six-plus decades of living, I’d have this lesson down pat. I don’t.
Note: there have been times when I begged Him so much He actually granted me my heart’s desire even when it wasn’t my best decision. I got the promotion, the pay raise, and my name plate on the door. I worked really hard to get my worst job ever. (That’s a story for another day.)
A few times I’ve been able to see why something wasn’t right for me. There have been more times that I don’t know or understand the big WHY question. Questions about miscarriages, for example.
Maybe someday I will know, this side of Heaven. Maybe not.
I used to say that, God willing when I sat at the feet of Jesus, I’d have my list of “whys” ready for Him.
But I don’t say that much anymore. What I’ve come to believe is this: either I’ll instantly know and understand, or it won’t matter. Heaven’s Glory will erase my earthly emotions.
But that’s someday.
Today I’m left to deal with my emotions. Good and bad. So I turn to His Word. The Word that’s given comfort to lonely, disappointed, angry, sad, broken-hearted children of God for centuries.
These are a few scriptures that I pray when I’m struggling for answers to my whys.
- 1 Peter 5:8-9
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
- Romans 8:18-21
- Galatians 5:16
- James 4:3
- 1 John 2:15-17
- Philippians 4:11-13
- 1 Timothy 6:6-8
- Hebrews 13:5-6
What about you? How does God help you to become centered? How do you heal when life becomes just plain hard? What steps do you take when you’re broken-hearted?
Blessings and serenity,
Carol
Serenity Seeds 