If I asked you to think of some times in your life when you were presented with some challenges that were difficult and not pleasant to deal with, would anything come to mind?
I have a suspicion that it would be pretty easy to name some of those times. Maybe the situation was hard for a short time and you were able to deal with them reasonably well.
Can you think of any times where your world really seemed to be rocked—turned completely upside down? Hopefully those times aren’t so plentiful, but I bet you would be able to think of at least one time.
Was your world rocked due to…..
…the death of a loved one?
…the cancer or chronic disease diagnosis?
…the marriage that suddenly ended in divorce?
…the child addicted to some drug?
Take a few moments to think about how you typically deal with a rocked world, something that is so devastating and it seems like the end of the world to you.
Do you know some people that seem to handle life so well no matter what they are experiencing or living through? What sets them apart?
It seems we can either let it overtake and ruin us
or
we can try to make the best of a terrible, or from the worldly view, tragic situation.
When we first hear the devastating news, I think we probably all agree it is so easy to let the situation consume us with maybe even feelings of hopelessness or helplessness taking over. Hopefully it isn’t long before we come to our senses and try to fight through the negativity that can occur.
Photo credit by Sapphire Dream Photography under Creative Commons License (CC BY-NC 2.0)
What are some key things to handling a rocked world more successfully?
1- Allow time to grieve.
—Whatever situation you find yourself in, a rocked world equates to needing time to grieve. Realize it really is okay to grieve and even struggle/wrestle with the issue at hand. Try to take baby steps to get your feet back on the ground again.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: ….a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…..a time to tear and a time to mend… –Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, 7 (NIV)
2- Remain connected to God and your faith.
—Go to church services, ask ministers & other church body members to pray for and with you.
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. –James 5:14 (NIV)
3- Seek a few Christian friends to share in confidence to.
–Those who you know on a little more personal level who will stand with you for encouragement and support; praying you through the crisis…who can step in with faith when yours might be faltering.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! –Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
4- Pray continually for guidance and direction!
–If you need and find comfort there, go to a church, even an empty one if seeking the Lord there ministers to you. Get down on your knees and share your heart with God.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. –Romans 12:12 (ESV)
5- Look for ways God is speaking and leading you!
–Maybe God will use people in your life to say something that was just what you need at the moment…maybe it will be something you read or see.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. –John 1:14 (ESV)
6- Dig into Scripture to find God’s promises!
—Let His words speak and minister to your heart and providing you with courage and strength.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. –Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. –Philippians 4:19 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Personally, I am so blessed and humbled to share this journey of life with some dear friends who suffer daily from chronic illnesses, immobility and constant pain, and issues that you would not know about from looking at them.
For many of them, their lives were rocked and turned upside down in a blink of an eye.
Yet as I reflect on them, their situations and lives, each one of them daily lives a life of true inspiration–with such faith, positiveness and love–taking one moment, one step at a time….one foot in front of the other. What a wonderful way to live and example for us to follow.
If you know people whose life is being rocked, even as we speak, be sure to reach out to them and do your part to help them through their situation. Pray with them, encourage them, be there, brighten their day and allow Christ to work through you.
Let this beautiful song, entitled Pray with Me, bless you and be a reminder to be in prayer for those whose world is rocked while they are on their knees in prayer too.
Dear friends, my prayer for you, when your world is rocked, is that somehow God may touch you and that deep down in the recesses of your heart you may still know the JOY that Jesus brings.
May you find comfort and joy from this well known, beautiful psalm that David wrote, especially when you are living a rocked world!
Psalm 23: (NIV)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters,
He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Thank you, Christine. As someone who’s world is currently being rocked, I appreciate the encouragement. God bless!
I am glad these thoughts were an encouragement for you, Colin. Prayers and blessings for you.
The timing of this is such reassurance of how closely God pays attention to what we are going through. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the blessing Jenny….God is indeed so good…our Heavenly Father knows what we need, when we need it most. 🙂
These are all great! Allowing time to grieve and remaining connected to God are closest to my heart
Thank you for reading, sharing, and blessing, Marie!
That’s a beautiful version of the song.
Oh, it’s so easy to be objective and say we need to follow these steps if you’re not in the situation. But it’s what we should do in times when we hit the rocky road of life. I remember I couldn’t even afford to pray but I keep on listening to Praise You in the Storm song because it sums up how I was feeling. Sure the pain didn’t go away immediately or completely but it’s a step.
Thanks for sharing, Christine.
You are right, Lux. It is definitely harder to do these things during the rough times! Praise you in the Storm is a great song indeed. I have done that with the song Cry Out to Jesus just playing it continually. 🙂 Thanks for reading and blessing, Lux!