Holding on when life hurts

When life hurts we have to hold on tight. One person’s experience is very different to another’s. At certain junctions in the journey of life we will be forced into situations that we don’t like or even question why is this happening? What have I done to deserve this? These are the questions of shock when the rug has been pulled away from us and everything we thought was secure we realise is not secure at all. I guess we can see now why Jesus said to be careful where we place our security.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

There are no answers as to the why things happen, often just the reality of what we have to pass through and yes, it is a passing through not set up camp and remain place.  We have to hold on whilst we pass through. This holding on enables us to cope mentally, physically and emotionally. There are some other questions that we can ask to help us along the way. This is what I try do in moments when the rug is pulled from underneath.

Discover where is God in the situation and what is He saying? If we can get God’s now word to us on a situation we have something to pray each day and aim for. The temptation we will face is to overshare with lots of people who will all have a different voice and ideas. That will bring confusion. Sit with God and seek Him out to hear His voice and ideas they are far better; then apply His wisdom and word to you by simply doing what He says.

The next thing is to find who are the trusted people who I can speak to? Those who will bring wisdom, hope and encouragement. We are not meant to go through things on our own if we try we will get lost in our heads and be battered by the situation we find ourselves in.  Our relationship with God is the most vital anchor for us and then trusted people who have a genuine care and love for us.

God places us in communities for a reason. I walked into a community meeting not long ago where we sang, prayed and listened to a preacher. I loved it and thought to myself this is great! I felt a sense of overwhelming peace, joy and renewed energy came over me. It took me from a dark place that had been looking to consume and lifted me to a hopeful lighter place. Being together in Christ shifts the darkness. It’s a supernatural thing that we can’t reason with but I know it works. I reckon that’s why the writer to the Hebrews asks us to “not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Community is a place called home it creates a sense of belonging and a place where we are all on the same page what the Bible calls unity.

So, let’s try not to ask the wrong questions that lead us no where but rather ask some different questions that lead us by streams of living water along the journey. Hold on to God for He alone is our rock and is unchanging in all his ways.