The Struggle is Real
The struggle is real. How often do we hear this phrase? Sometimes it is said in jest and we are really only dealing with a “first world” problem like maybe we didn’t get our Amazon delivery exactly on time. Other times however it’s not that simple and the struggle is not only real but terrifying.
There is so much pain all around us. It can be overwhelming whether in our own life or in the lives of those around us or even on the other side of the world. It can be personal or it can take the form of injustices seen throughout society. The news and social media, our health and the health of others both mental and physical along with the demands of ever day life continually take swings at us and those we love. Hope seems lost and aloneness creeps in.
There is good news amidst the struggles in that we are not alone even when we feel like we are on our own. Solace and encouragement be found in knowing that we are not the first to be overwhelmed and face difficult situations.
In the book of Psalms, the writer who is believed to be David for most of the book, again and again cries out to God explaining his enemies are upon him and he needs to be rescued. These enemies can take various forms and equate to the challenges we face in our lives today. We may not have a friend who’s been like a brother trying to kill us, but our challenges can be just as frightening.
One example of David’s struggle we are given is in Psalm 55:1-3 where David says:
“Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger.”
Have you ever prayed a prayer like that?
David again and again cries out. He points out all the evils and sins in verses 9-11:
“Confuse the wicked, Lord, confound their words, for I see violence and strife in the city. Day and night they prowl about on its walls; malice and abuse are within it. Destructive forces are at work in the city; threats and lies never leave its streets.”
Sound familiar?
The good news is that God had David’s back then and ours now. We read:
Psalm 98:9: “He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity”.
Like David, we need to wait for it. In God’s timing and in the meantime, He is always with us. These are the assurance we are provided:
Joshua 1:9: “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
When we are overwhelmed, reaching out to God in prayer can give the strength needed to meet the challenges we are facing. Often sharing our situation and feelings with others who know and trust God as well can provide the assistance and support we need. When leaning on God, He will sustain us and often this is through those around us.
In the words of Fred Rogers, “Look for the helpers.” In times of crisis Mr. Rogers was known to share this story: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”
Reach out to God and look for the helpers.
JW