The Struggle Is Real

Life is hard.

The struggle is real

Although “hard” is relative and looks different for everyone, this is an inescapable truth to which we can all relate. Pain. Worry. Depression. Disappointment. Heartbreak. Anxiety.

These are just a few of the things that can knock us down, hold our attention, instill fear, and test our faith. There are real reasons to hurt. We should never minimize that.

But friend, there are equally real reasons to hope.

Maybe today is a dark day for you. The very name of this blog, 'Finding The Lord', came from a phrase 'finding the Lord in the dark days' that some friends and I used to encourage each other with in some rough times. I've been there.

Maybe you struggled to get out of bed because the weight of the things to come were too heavy, too overwhelming to face.

Maybe you fought through your day with a smile on your face, but your soul feels empty and you feel you have no hope or purpose left.

Maybe you feel like the entire world is against you, and that you’ve fallen too far to be loved.

Can I encourage you?

The struggle is so real. The darkness can be so powerful.

But the truth is more powerful still.

Here are three truths to give you hope in the dark days.

1. TODAY HAS AN END

Jesus tells us (in Matt 6:34) to not worry about tomorrow. He also says each day has enough trouble of its own - i.e. Jesus knows, he acknowledges that each day can be a struggle (more on that later).

This makes me stop and think about how much of my stress and anxiety and struggle is coming from worrying about tomorrow.

If I allow myself to think about all the tomorrows that would be painful as well, the weight becomes impossible to bear. Putting the day in perspective, taking just a small bite of the 24 hour time period, it seems less daunting to carry on.

Today has an end. Tomorrow is a new day. And His beautiful mercies are new every morning.


2. YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Nothing tricks us into believing we are alone faster than pain and heartache.

Everyone experiences pain in a unique way, so it is true that no human will ever fully understand what you may be going through.

However, we have a loving Savior who knows us so intimately and and understands us so perfectly. Jesus understands our pain and our fears and our disappointments. He knows your struggles and your worries. And He has sent us the Comforter (John 14), the One who will walk alongside us through the darkest days and the deepest valleys.

We have the Holy Spirit. We are not alone.

In addition, He's given us the people in our lives. Don't isolate yourself in your pain. Separated from the herd is exactly where the prowling lion Satan wants you to be. God calls us in (Romans 12) to weep with those who weep, and as a body, if one part suffers, we suffer together (1 Cor 12). Push into the people God has given you. There is strength found in unity.


3. GOD NEVER CHANGES

"When the earth trembles, and its people shake; you alone keep its foundations firm." - Psalm 75:3

When everything around you is shifting hold onto the truth that never changes -- Life is undeniably full of terrifying uncertainties but the Anchor to which we cling has never once failed.

What an incredible blessing it is to have a Father God who is so sure. His love for us never ceases. His mercy is endless. He is characterized by consistently faithful faithfulness.

His grace is enough. His power is enough. He knows you perfectly. He sees your struggle. He hears your cry. He is moved with deep compassion and love for you.

Nothing you can do will change Him. Nothing you will face can overshadow him. Nothing you will fear can outpower Him. He's got you!

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'therefore I will hope in him.'" - Lamentations 3:22-24

Yes, life is hard. Still, we hope.

The struggle is very real, but so is our God.