When life seems too much to handle

No matter who you are, life can be downright hard. As a believer I used to think problems sort of just went away or became super easy to handle once you became a Christian. Like I’d say, “hey Jesus, it’s Kristi again and life is tough right now, will you send help?” And then boom! Stress gone, problems gone and worry gone. Ahh if it were only that easy.

Jesus equips us with all the tools we need to handle life’s struggles and heartaches, but that doesn’t mean we won’t go through some really hard times. There have been seasons where I’ve felt like I was on cloud nine and there have been other seasons where I have felt like I was drowning and didn’t know how to swim up for air. In both seasons, we praise Jesus. Is it always easy? Heck no!

I’ve noticed that when I’m going through a tough season over an easy one, I reach out to God way more. And when I say reach out, I mean I’m praying 785 times a day, listening to worship music until my ears bleed, reading encouraging bible verses until I fall asleep and sometimes crying my eyes out asking God what the heck is going on. And every time I get over the hump of that tough season, the next tough season becomes a little bit easier to handle.

When a storm comes rolling in, always remember Jesus will never ever leave your side. I know you feel alone, but you’re not. When life seems too much to handle, do these things and keep doing them until you come out on the other side stronger than ever.

pray, pray pray! I know it can feel like some of your prayers are going unanswered, but God is working! Keep asking God for peace, keep asking Him for a breakthrough and be honest with Him. Tell Him when you’re mad, worried, scared, stressed etc.

remember God’s promises for YOU! Here’s a few to always remember:

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” Exodus 14:14

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” Isaiah 40:31

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you” Isaiah 41:13

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord who has compassion on you” Isaiah 54:10

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” Deuteronomy 31:8

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” Jeremiah 29:11

be kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up! If you have a rough few days or a negative week, it’s ok. Be kind to you- pick yourself back up and keep pushing forward.

give yourself grace. It’s frustrating when we’re struggling. We feel like we’ve failed, like we’re losing our minds, like things will never get better. Those are all lies. When you feel those negative thoughts creeping in, go back and read God’s promises (those verses above). You’re doing the best you can and that’s all God is looking for.

reach out for help. There’s no shame in needing a little help. Call a trusted friend, a parent, a counselor, a pastor, a therapist- someone you can rely on.

keep yourself busy. When we get into a slump it’s so easy to want to sit in our beds and not move. If you need a day like that, take it, but then get that booty up and go for a walk, meet up with friends, see a movie. Do something that will give your mind a little break.

count your blessings. It’s so easy to focus on the negative, but don’t forget about all the amazing things God has given you! Try and write down 5 things you’re thankful for each morning, it really helps get your mind in a positive place before you start your day.

know this season WILL pass! You won’t feel this way forever. You won’t be ‘stuck’ forever. You won’t be confused, sad, overwhelmed & stressed forever. You will get through this.

I hope this helps encourage you! I know life can be really hard, but God put you on this earth for a reason, so don’t forget that! You’re here for a specific purpose. You can get through anything this life throws at you and you will!

 

Love you!

Kristi