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

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“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 ‘unsolvable’ and can cause us to
believe that our life will be devastated from their impact on us.

Some events can be so emotionally draining that we feel 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
like 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 have any
success in doing what He asks of us.

We 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 has a humble heart.
    If He lives within us, arrogant pride and egotism will not be a part of us.

Jesus has a loving heart.
    If He dwells within us, hatred and bitterness will be absent from our lives.

Jesus has a forgiving and understanding heart.
    If He lives within us, we will have mercy, grace,
    patience and forgiveness in our relationships with others.

Jesus has an unselfish heart.
    If He lives in us, we will become selfless instead of being driven
    by selfishness; our desire to serve God and others will be greater
    than 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 our 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:
Question to consider:
    – Am I making the mistake of trying to cope with issues
       and serve the Lord using only my own strength?
If we are part of God’s family, then we need to call on Him
to provide us with the strength we need for any situation.

Before we are overwhelmed with some issue, we need to start asking the
Lord to be a part of our life now, so we’ll be prepared for the unexpected.
Not only that, but we can start developing the characteristics of Jesus now,
so we will become a disciple who is pointing others to Him by the way we live.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for being independent from You
in my efforts to cope with the issues I face. Help me to be more
dependent on You. Teach me to have confidence that I am not
alone because You will give me an unusual peace in the midst
of any 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.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com