Encouragement

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Life is full of ups and downs, and for most of the time it can be quite unpredictable. We can be going along quite happily when sometimes right out of the blue we are faced with a problem or some terrible news that stops us dead in our tracks. In that moment of shock and anger we may cry out “Why? Why has this happened to me?”

Nobody is exempt from these personal difficulties and setbacks, or the tragedies that often bring sorrow and grief. Sooner or later, even in our darkest moments of despondency, we are going to have to face up to the harrowing truth that these difficulties and disappointments if left unchecked could easily destroy our spirit. If such feelings of inadequacy or resentment are given in to they may grow until we are drained completely.

To overcome these challenges you first of all need a strong reason for wanting to keep on trying. First of all we must analyse the situation and decide how this problem has come about. Was it our fault? Did we act too quickly, were we too greedy, or did we expect too much of others? Or was it something that was possibly life changing and totally out of our control?

Despite everything, at the end of the day it is we alone who have to deal with the difficulties and our grief, but always strive to keep in mind that no matter how much you are suffering never dwell on what has happened, or what you have lost, but what you still have.

When up against difficulties and you think you are defeated then you will be, for your negative state of mind paralyses what natural powers you have. Instead of just giving in rekindle your hope, your confidence and your belief, and your whole personality will be charged with power and energy. Do that and the battle is half won.

Often we feel we need some spiritual support as well and this is the time when we should draw upon our faith. The writer James Alexander says: “It is my deepest conviction that…whatever life does to you, you are not the helpless pawn of a blind and pitiless fate. You are in the hands of a loving God. He walks beside you to strengthen your spirit and give you courage and endurance.”

And if you are really at your wits end, and think that all is lost, remember and absorb the uplifting words of St. Paul: “I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other living creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

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