What Is Up With This World?

Misfortune is a part of life. “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” Job 14:1

We don’t like adversity. We don’t choose misfortune. And we certainly don’t welcome problems. Financial troubles ruin lives. Sickness and disease cause early death. Family dysfunction inflicts lifelong pain and suffering. Talk shows make millions airing the misfortune of people all over the world. The news is filled with reports of the misfortunes of all. Sometimes, we just have bad days or even bad years. But we can take comfort, however small in knowing that the scriptures tell us this is going to happen, no matter what. It is what we do about it that can make or break us.

For Christ himself endured some of the most terrible emotional and physical suffering ever known to man – humiliation, misfortune, inequality, burning pain – He endured it all. But this was not in vain and we can take comfort in that, as well as in the fact that God does take care of each and every one of us. Often times, we cannot see that as we travel through the “fire” that is life, but fortunately, He watches over us anyway. “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in the pavilion; in the secret of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock.” Psalm 27:5

Satan wants us to believe that we are alone in our adversity. But we are never alone. “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5 You can believe that He is right there with you, even when it seems like you are the only person in the room, house, office, church, or even the world.

There are several things you can do when you’re “going through” hard times. Remember that the situation is only temporary. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Listen to uplifting music, even if it is not “church” music. Jazz can be just as positive and is just as God given. Imaging God in your presence and you have invited him in, not that He is not there already – but at least you can feel Him there.

Go to church, even if you do so in “overkill”. Fellowshipping, surrounding yourself with like minded people and hearing words of encouragement from the pastor and others WILL give you a lift.

Take a walk. Exercise will help reduce stress and relieve anxiety.

Read the Bible and devotionals.

Thank God for everything you have, however large or small. Be in service to others, however great or small. It can only make you feel better; it certainly cannot hurt.

Persevere and keep your mind on God’s promises. Pray and believe with all of your heart.