“Happiness is not the absence of problems; it’s the ability to deal with them.” ~Unknown
Recently, at the beginning of a meeting, one of the supervisors I work with at my “day job” was battling “allergy season.” As he was apologizing for coughing, etc. He said aloud, “I’m tired of losing this battle.” As soon as he made that statement, I immediately thought of how this response is typical of all of us who are dealing with so many challenges.
When we say, “Today was a hard day,” or, “I can’t do this anymore,” or “I’m tired of losing this battle,” where do we turn? In answering this question, I hope you will consider these four options for seeking shelter, comfort, and peace; and more importantly, answers!
God—Psalm 46:1-3 says God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. God provides us protection from the storm we are in, let’s seek Him.
Jesus Christ—John 10:7-11 says Then Jesus said to them again, Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. Jesus provides us with peace so we can deal with the mountains of life.
The Church—Acts 2:42 says And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. The church offers the opportunity to help one another, let’s be “there” for one another!
Your family—Psalm 128:1-4 says Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. Our family can help us during difficult times, let’s be thankful.
Friends and family, we all are tired and may feel we are in a losing battle. But, let’s remember, we are in “The Lord’s Army.” We are surrounded with support and comfort far greater than anything this world has to offer. I too, am tired of feeling that “I’m losing this battle.” Through our tears, hurt, and pain, may we seek God, Jesus Christ, the church, and our family as we run this race. If we can do this, one day, we will no longer be in a battle, but in the forever presence of the Almighty– He has never lost a battle!
