Life is good. People and jobs and situations, and the community can be good. Times of joy and peace, and prosperity find us all unexpectedly and make the blessing even greater.
But life can also be hard. Chaotic, distressing, fretful, difficult to live, kind of hard. Like walking through a dark forest without a flashlight.
Pixabay Image/AdamMalycha
What if we’re so overwhelmed by life that we don’t know what to do? When finding God seems impossible. How can we thank, praise, and worship Him when our minds, will, and emotions are buried by the problems of the day? When we’re just trying to survive and have lost the ability to hope.
I’ve been there and to some degree am there now. Survival mode is real, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, I have to step away for a short time and focus on my needs, making sure I’m connected with friends who can help me see through the seemingly impenetrable forest of doubt, despair, and discouragement.
But how do we realistically seek God in these moments? We realize that God hasn’t left the room, no matter what our feelings say. We ask for His help. We seek Him by faith.
We simplify.
- We pray simple prayers. Whisper a two or three-sentence thank you when you first awake. “God, thank you that You are holding me during these struggles. You make a way where there is no way. I rest in Your promises.” Something to the point but meaningful to the Father.
- We praise with simple songs. When life is crushing, hum or sing. Straightforward words like “God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me.” This song from my childhood means much to me. Also, the hymn, Trust and Obey, and the worship song, Trust in God, often lift my heart during dark seasons.
- We worship in simple ways. When overwhelmed, close your eyes and say, I worship You, God. You are worthy of all worship and honor and praise.” Look up and tell God you love Him.
It’s all by faith. Not faith in ourselves, but faith in Him. One look at Facebook or YouTube and you’ll find proud parents showing how their babies are stumbling their way across the floor for the first time, riding a bike a short distance, or saying “Mama or Dada.” God is a good Father, and we need to try and remember that He is excited every time we seek Him, whether in extravagant ways or simple ways.
He loves us just as we are.
Just start. Simple prayer, thanksgiving, and worship to a loving God will eventually lead to breaking through the heaviness, and peace and joy will come. Hope will return. God has never failed me, even when I stumble, and He won’t fail you either.
What are the ways you’ve found to cope with survival mode?
