 By: Sandra Walters Opening: Recently, I was on social media, and a message in a mom’s group caught my attention. It read, “Vent: Why is life so hard? I have the best kids, and then there’s me, over here failing. We don’t even have groceries in the house, nor bottled water. I can’t even buy my teenage daughter deodorant until I go DoorDash later on to make a few dollars after work. I’m tired, and I don’t know how much longer I can do this. Is it this hard for everyone, or am I just failing at life over here?” I read this message, and I could feel the struggle through her brave words. Immediately, I thought about this being Suicide Prevention Month, and I knew it was an outcry for help. Over 100 women chimed in to encourage her, and I was impressed with the number of mothers who offered to purchase deodorant for her daughter and told her about various places she could get assistance. Also, many moms said that she was not alone in how she felt. Usually, I have a little stash of cash, but I didn’t have any extra funds that day. This made me recognize we are all at different stages of life, and sometimes we’re on the struggle bus. However, we don’t stay there forever. One Response Stood Out: “If you PM me your address, I will have some groceries delivered to you. Also, let me know what kind of deodorant you need for your kiddo, and I can include that as well.” Foundational Scripture: “…Weeping may endure for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning,” Psalm 30: 5b. Sometimes life is challenging, but eventually it will pass. Know that joy is coming in the morning and expect God to show up for you like he showed up for this mother. Also, remember not to allow the enemy to beat you up with negative self-talk. Don’t be hard on yourself. As I thought about the mother’s message, I identified the good in this bad situation. At least her kids were doing well, but she didn’t consider the fact that they were great because she is an amazing mother. Friendly reminder: Be care to yourself and speak life about your situation, no matter what. Repeat “…Weeping may endure for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning,” until you get there. Below are more scriptures, you can meditate on. Scriptures: Isaiah 26:3 NLT You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Philippians 4:6,7 NIV 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Deuteronomy 31:8b …He will never leave you nor forsake you. Psalm 34:18 NIV “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit”. Lesson/Take Away: One of my students committed suicide ten years ago. Now, I always wonder what he would be like if he was still here. Oftentimes, I think people don’t realize the pain they leave behind when they make decisions like that. Most situations can be fixed, but a person taking their life creates pain that never ends. And the people left behind wonder, why he/she didn’t know how amazing they were? If only he would have given God, the opportunity to be who He says He is. If you are struggling with a choice of life or death, think about things you survived and realize how much God loves you as well as others. He created you to be exactly who you are, no matter how imperfect your story seems. You light up rooms that only you can. So, when things get hard: 1) Keep your mind stayed on Him. 2) Take every negative thought captive and make it obedient to God. 3) When anxiety comes, guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. (You must stay in the Word.) 4) Know that God will not forsake you. Believe Him as He says He is and expect Him to do His job. Activities for Encouraging Yourself:
Thank you, God, for another day. I appreciate this life you gave me. I realize I am a gift, and I appreciate how you guide me during difficult circumstances. As you give me a step-by-step action plan to move forward, I am thankful that you never leave me nor forsake me. I am grateful that you hear my calls around-the-clock and provide me with clear instructions on what to do. Weeping may endure for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. I am thankful! In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen!
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