For those for whom the struggle is real, I hope you can take something away from this writing today to give you a glimpse of peace and hope amidst the struggle.
I lay on the couch this morning, knowing I have a million “to dos” on my list, but I can’t pry my weary bones from my soul searching place of comfort. I have watched 20 minutes of Lysa Terkeurst’s talk on rejection; I have read the First5 devotional; I have read my “Jesus Calling” devotional; And, I have listened to spiritual music. In the midst of Kari Jobe’s, Forever, song, the phone rings. I answer the phone, and it is my friend who is feeling the same way I am. As I am talking with my friend, I get off the couch. I walk upstairs and prepare for a bath and then I say to her, “The Struggle Is Real.”
Now, I am writing this piece to share some helpful advice with others. First and foremost, we must realize, “Our fight is not against the people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.” Ephesians 6:12.
I am fighting the evil spirit of depression and have been for several months. This fight bothers me in a big way because I know I have so much to be thankful for in my life. So, what does one do when they are facing the struggles of this world? I have some thoughts on this, and I know if I just take my own advice, I can overcome this dark place I keep finding myself in day after day.
1. Get out of the bed or off the couch no matter how weary you feel.
2. Phone a friend. This has helped me a couple of times this week.
3. Work on your “to do” list. Accomplishments will make you feel better about your day.
4. Play some of your favorite music. Eventually, one song will lift you up out of the muck.
5. Exercise. I have been failing at this one lately, but I know it is absolutely necessary.
6. Turn to nature. God has created so much beauty on this earth for us. As the saying goes, “We just need to stop and smell the roses.”
7. And most importantly, ask God to help you in the struggles. He will show up in his timing.
Thankfully, I chose not to post this before my bath because I now have two more items to add to the list:
8. Soak in an Epson salt bath. I am feeling better already.
9. Spend less time on social media and more time in face-to-face conversations.
I hope someone reading this today escapes from their struggle, if only for a little while. I share these words on suffering from Romans 5:3-5, “We also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts.”
Lastly, I leave you with a quote from Max Lucado that I came across in the side notes of my bible this morning. He has a unique definition of hope: “Hope is an olive leaf-evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.”
By Jeanette Lytle