How to cope when things still look bad, even after a fresh start
By Dean Collins
A new year often brings resolve to be better, to correct the things we can, and to envision a better year. That tendency seemed magnified this year. As the calendar turned to 2021 I noted more eagerness for a fresh start than I have ever seen. There seemed to be a collective, almost universal, hope and longing for this year to be better. We are a couple weeks into the new year now, and I suspect many of us find our optimism waning already.
Some of the challenges of the past followed us. For others, unexpected new problems have appeared. The virus, the friends and family that are without jobs, the fact that schools still face another term of relentless health-safety management—all of these are still with us. But they are only our common foes. We each have personal challenges as well. Where and how do we find help?
Impossible odds?
King David knew what appeared to be impossible odds of survival. He opens Psalm 3 with these words; “O Lord, how many are my foes!” David was speaking truth. His family was in shambles. His daughter had been raped by her half-brother, Amnon, who was killed by his half-brother, Absalom. Now Absalom had accumulated a following and was on his way to unseat his father while King. David’s enemies were reminding everyone of the king’s previous failures and sins. Some said David’s situation was so bad not even God could or would help him.
Your situation probably isn’t as extreme as David’s, but whatever you are facing might be equally as impossible to solve. There may be friends or family who don’t think you are worth helping. Sometimes we even convince ourselves that God can’t help us.
Going to God
Take a look at David’s approach and see what we can learn.
David freely admitted his pain and his problems to God. Of course God knows before we go to him, but there is a powerful release and connection when we tell God our difficulties. Letting them simmer inside us damages and discourages us. God wants us to engage him. A good father always wants to help his child in need.
David spoke the truth he knew about God. “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me and a lifter of my head.” The Scriptures are filled with verses that declare this reality. In conversation with Abraham, God declared that he was a shield (Genesis 15:1). Numerous places in the Psalms declare God is our shield (Psalm 18:2; 28:7; 33:20). And in the New Testament Scripture, Paul reminds us that we are to take up the shield of our faith each day. So when in difficulty, call out and name God as your shield and help.
David reviewed the evidence that God was with him. He put it this way; “I lay down and slept, I woke up again, for the Lord sustained me.” I’m guessing you woke up today as well!
David named and spoke against his fear. “I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me” was David’s statement. You can almost sense David finding his footing as he speaks against his fear. Try making a similar statement about the crisis you’re anticipating and see how it strengthens you for the day ahead.
David decided to trust God to take care of the enemy in his time and bring blessing and salvation to those who seek him. “Salvation belongs to the Lord,” he declared, “your blessing be on your people!” Ultimately, God is in control. Acknowledging that is the first step to peace.
What seemed to be a lost cause and unsurmountable odds were dramatically turned around by God for King David. So don’t panic if everything hasn’t suddenly improved from last year. God has not forgotten us. He is available even now and is always ready to be both a shield and a savior to us in every situation.
Lord, our challenges are real and sometimes exhausting. We often do not see a way forward. But we claim that you are are shield and defender. Surround us with your love and show us our next steps. Give us victory over the discouragement, the illnesses, the scarcity, and all other enemies that come against us. You told us to fear not that you would uphold us by your right hand and we ask you to do that today. Be faithful to your promises today. We thank you and praise you as our deliverer and our Lord. Amen.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 3:1-8
