When the World Presses In, Press On

I don’t care how old you are. If you’re old enough to be reading this, you’re old enough to know that along with life’s blessings and joys comes life’s setbacks and disappointments. You don’t need me to tell you that. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you’re burdened. Perhaps you’ve become so accustomed to discouragement that now you stand on borderline hopelessness. So … how do you deal when you feel you’ve been given more than your fair share of trials?

The world will tell you several things:

· “Time to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps!”
· “Buck up, Kiddo, no one said life would be easy.”
· “Try harder.”
· “It’s a cruel world out there. You need to stand up for Number One no matter who gets in the way.”

None of these is helpful. None of these will actually get you anywhere. But because we live in the world, we by default hear the world’s so-called advice.

Praise God, what He has to speak into your situation is entirely different. Here are just a few things He wants you to know right now in your struggle:

· “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7)
· “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
· “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
· “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1 Peter 5:10)

God’s words are truth. Do you believe what He is saying to you in the verses above? It’s one thing to acknowledge what He says, it’s quite another to live by what He says.

It’s also probably obvious to you that the Lord is not promising to make your troubles disappear in an instant. Rather, He reveals what is to be your focus during this time of trial: Himself. You center your attention on Him by spending time with Him in prayer (Philippians 4:6). Think about Him as your Help, Savior and Friend. And then what? “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

But if you’re still wondering how to think about anything other than what’s weighing you down, consider the very next verse: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

What is holding you back today? Do you need to take some time in prayer right now to confess your unbelieving heart and wayward thoughts? Do you need to ask for God’s grace to help you really live by His truth? Talk to Him. Let Him meet you in your need. He’s eager to hear from you and walk with you through your struggle.