When Life gets Hard

Sometimes life is difficult even when we’ve done everything we know is right to do. Some of us have lost jobs, our marriage, suffer through illnesses, or have lost loved ones. In these times, the holidays and other celebrations may not be such a great time for us. If we aren’t careful, our mindsets, emotions, and attitudes can lead us down a dark path of hopelessness. Yet, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we know that nothing in our lives is a random act of fate. We have the King of kings and Lord of lords who hears and answers our prayers whether we see the immediate results or not. What should we do when life gets H.A.R.D.? H – Hope in God. “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalms 42:5) When we struggle with hardship, we can place all of our hope in God. He sees everything that has happened to us and He is able to help us get through it. Our hope is restored when we discipline ourselves to pray to God and seek His word for daily renewal. A – Accept life can be difficult. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) This world is full of trouble regardless of where we live. Our hardship is rooted in the fact that sin entered the world thousands of years ago. Yet, because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ—we will get through the tough times. Because of His death and resurrection, we have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit Who gives us the strength to press on. R – Remember God’s faithfulness in the past. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago” (Psalms 77:11). A mindset of hopelessness has a short memory, but a mind focused on God’s goodness and grace is at peace. We can change our mode of thinking about what’s wrong with our life to meditating on the blessings that God has given us in the past. When we intentional focus on being thankful—there’s an incredible sense of joy that God is able to above and beyond what we expect. D – Do the right thing. “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3). Sometimes we can give ourselves permission to sin because of our hardships. Yet, we were bought with a price and given power over sin; therefore, we can do better than that. It’s the daily choice of choosing what is right over wrong that will get us across the darkest valleys. Prayer Dear Lord, it’s hard right now, but I trust You to take care of me. Help me to refocus my heart and mind on You rather than my difficult situations. In Jesus’ name, amen.