The hardest part of anything is often times not the difficulty, but the emotions that go with it. The anxiety, the sadness, the fear, or other emotions are the worst part of the lost job, the medical diagnosis, or any other loss. Emotions are good though. You and I were designed to experience them. Emotions add flavor to our existence. Yet they can be difficult to process and hard to understand especially when you’re tired or anxious.

So what can you do?

1. Ponder your feelings a bit. Ask yourself why you are feeling the way you are? Are you tired? Are you needing some down time?
2. Ponder your situation. Are you unable to see a way out of a situation? Do you need to share your burden with someone? Should you seek wise counsel? Should you see a professional counselor?
3. As you ponder your thoughts seek out your answers from God’s Word. His truth will guide you if you are willing to listen.

Last night my sister, Elizabeth, and I shared our burdens and then prayed for each other. My burdens were lifted partly because of the sharing, but mostly because of the prayer. When God enters in the equation power is exerted and things change.

This morning as I was reflecting on my “woe is me” attitude I sought the Lord and read His Word and my countenance was lifted again. I pray you will be encouraged by these words as well.

Psalm 54:4 “Surely God is my help; the LORD is the one who sustains me.”

Psalm 54:7 “For he has delivered me from all my troubles and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.”

Psalm 56:3-4 “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”

Psalm 86 “Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you, You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long., Bring joy to your servant Lord for I put my trust in you. You are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD, listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds, you alone are God. Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me- they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me, show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a  sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.“

I added emphasis on Psalm 86 to remind myself and you of who God is. Often times that is all it takes to lift my spirit. Fixing my eyes on my creator instead of my situation reminds me of who holds my future and my hand. I hope you are comforted and encouraged today by the God who loves you!