WHEN OVERWHELMING ISSUES MAKE YOU WEAK, HOW DO YOU GET RE-ENERGIZED?

SCRIPTURE:
“I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me.”  
(Philippians 4:13)

MEDITATION:
Sometimes we can face issues and problems that seem overwhelming, can’t we?
There are some that seem "unresolvable" and cause us to believe 
that our life will be devastated as a result of their impact on us.
Some events can be so emotionally draining, 
that we have no hope of recovering from their impact.
At times, we can feel as though we are in a small room 
and the walls are closing in on us.
It can seem that we are hopelessly trying to ‘push’ a rope up a hill.

Yes, unexpected negative events in our life 
can hurt us emotionally and physically.
However, we can also be impacted by the possibility of good things in our lives.
For instance, we may feel that the Lord wants us to do something specific 
for Him, but we feel totally inadequate to successfully do what He asks of us.

I’m sure you could add many other instances, but the important question we need
answered is, “How do I deal with these unwanted events in my life?”
Paul understood the impact unexpected events could have on a person’s life, 
and he had great advice in his letter to the Philippians.
He never tried to cope with, or overcome any problems by himself.
He knew he needed the Lord to provide him with the strength he required.

Think about the value of Paul’s advice.
Jesus had a humble heart. 
If He abides in us, then arrogant pride and egotism will not dominate our lives. 
Jesus had a loving heart. 
If He dwells within us, hatred and bitterness will not rule over us. 

Jesus had a forgiving and understanding heart. 
If He lives within us, 
we will have mercy, grace and tolerance in our relationships with others. 
Jesus had an unselfish heart. 
If He lives in us, 
we will become selfless instead of being driven by selfishness;
we will have a desire to serve God and others ahead of our selfish interests.
 
The Psalmist knew the importance of having a close connection with the Lord.
I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.  
(Psalm 119:11)
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you;
he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)

In his letter in Romans, Paul also emphasized the importance of disconnecting 
from the ways of the world and allowing the Lord to reconstruct your thinking.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the 
renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s 
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

ACTION:
Are you making the mistake of trying to cope with issues 
and to serve the Lord using only your own strength?
If you belong to the Lord, 
then call on Him to provide you with the strength you need.

Before you are overwhelmed with some issue, start asking Him 
to be a part of your life now, so that you will be prepared for the unexpected.
Not only that, but you can start developing His characteristics now, 
so that you can be a witness pointing others to Him by the way you live.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for being independent in my efforts to cope 
with the issues that come my way. Help me to be more dependent on You. 
Teach me to have confidence that I am not alone and that You will give me 
an unusual peace in the midst of a storm. I ask You today to start living in 
me, so that I will be able to radiate Your love and grace to those around me.”