Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
There is no doubt that we live in an imperfect world. On top of that we have the added pressures of the pandemic and unrest among the people. I know folks who have children on drugs…even heroin. It's heart-breaking! We have severe health problems we are navigating either for ourselves and loved ones. Death of a family member or friend has touched our lives. Crime is on the uprise. Life is not simple. Finances are a challenge for many and some people don’t even have their basic needs met. Sometimes we are hit with so many stresses at one time, we don’t even know which way is up. There is good news though! God is still in control and He has a plan for your life. Here are 5 steps to minimize these desperate times in your life.
#1 Suppress
Suppress doubt and negative thoughts. I’ve shared with you before that God can’t bless a complaining spirit. Negative thoughts, when dwelled upon, brings more negativity into your life. Fill your mind with all things good. the Bible tells us to dwell on the good and focus on what you do have… not what you don’t have. Psalm 13:20 tells us, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Suppress negativity and complaining and rest in God’s comforting love.
#2 Surrender
With desperate times around us, I find it pretty easy to surrender my life to God. What choice is there? Focus on all the bad and scary things in the world or surrender to God, His will, and His peace. By surrendering our lives to God, we are opening up to all God has for us. Romans 8:28 tells us, All things work together for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
#3 Seek
Jeremiah 29:13 tells us this, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Seek out God and an intimate relationship with Him. In these desperate times, being close to your Heavenly Father is your answer to peace. Seek His word for comforting scriptures. These scriptures are promises from God. They will strengthen you and give you comfort. We read in God’s word, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33
#4 Select
Select the friends you have in life very carefully. Folks that don’t have an intimate relationship with God will be those chronic complainers, whiners, and negative Nellies. These people rub off on you and can actually make you feel doubtful and down after you interact with them. One thing that was a huge comfort to me is how lucky I am to have awesome, loyal, and positive friends. It really did help me heal from Cancer. Pray for God to send you Christian friends… He’ll do it! Also be selective with the media you take into your mind. If you are absorbing risqué movies or any kind of media that puts non-christian thoughts in your mind, this can push you further away from God.
#5 Shine
Even through my Cancer Journey, I have heightened joy! That probably doesn’t seem logical, but its true. I stand on Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in HOPE, patient in Affliction and faithful in Prayer.” Even when chaos is surrounding us… we can be joyful because we have solid hope in what God is going to do to deliver us. So shine! Shine God’s love, patience, and friendliness to all those that cross your path. And tell your story to others! Share the good news of what God is doing in your life.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." ~ Psalm 15:13
