So I don't know about everyone else out there, but for me, it's been a
rough start to the new year so far. Ever been stretched way too thin?
Feel like it's a battle to find time for everyday things, much less the
surprises life loves to through your way? I know that my schedule stays
pretty booked, and leaves little time for relaxing and recharging for
the next go around. And it can lead to short nerves, frustration, and
more - areas in my life that get neglected, most notably my social and
spiritual lives.
If I'm not careful, I end up feeling
like every step forward I take is followed by two backwards, if not
more. When it happens for a prolonged period of time, I want to vent
frustration, and too often it's aimed at places or people it shouldn't
be. And sometimes I want to throw my hands up and walk away from it all.
It can lead to bitterness and brokenness. If you don't have a good
support system in place, it can lead to a viscous cycle of self-pity
that feeds upon itself. But even the best support system - friends,
church group, family - can let you down without meaning to do so. This
is why it can be dangerous to have them as your only source of strength
and comfort.
So when you hit that point, what do you do? Where do you turn then?
I look to Jesus. No matter how I feel - no matter what's going on in my
life, I can always think back to a lesson that God taught me in one of
the lowest times in my life. And that one reminder is enough to set my feet on solid ground again. It puts a smile back on my face, and allows me to keep going, no matter how many times I get knocked down.
Draw your strength from God, and you can survive anything this world
throws at you. I'm not saying it will be easy. Far from it in fact. But
you'll have a joy in your heart this world cannot crush, no matter how
hard it tries.
So keep fighting - keep getting back
up and throwing more punches. Finish the race - even if it is one
agonizing step at a time. And keep your faith - even when it seems that
everything is going against you. God uses those times to draw you close,
and for His glory to be evident to those who are watching.
Love in Christ,
Chip
