WHAT TO DO WHEN THE WALLS CAVE IN
Ever had the feeling your world was about to come to an end? Maybe you lost your job, failed a class at school, or your husband divorced you. What do you do at times like these? Let me make four suggestions:
Don’t Panic. Everything is not lost. It may seem that way, but the last chapter has not been written. Many hasty decisions are made at times like this and regretted later. Solomon said, “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way” (Proverbs 19:2). Don’t rush into things. It’s not the time for major decisions.
Accept What You Can’t Change. Time spent fighting something you can’t change only deepens your problem. If your husband has died, he cannot be brought back. David had this experience when he lost his son. The servants were surprised when he took off his clothes of mourning and resumed his normal life. “Why?” they asked. “While the child was alive,” he said, “I fasted and wept. I thought, Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live. But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again?” (2 Samuel 12:22-23). He accepted what could not be changed.
Don’t Wallow in Self-Pity. Self-pity is like acid. It will destroy you. When Job lost his wealth, family, health and the support of his wife, the Bible says, “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said” (Job 2:10). When you begin to feel sorry for yourself, complain about it, blame God or others, you are just heading for more trouble. Refuse to feel sorry for yourself.
Remember, Because of Jesus, No Situation Is Hopeless. Even on days when the clouds cover the sun, the sun is still shining. In Christ there is always hope. The following poem by Robert Schuler is true because of Jesus:
After the night comes a new day,
After winter, a new spring,
After the storm, a sun,
After sin comes forgiveness,
After defeat, another chance.
–Dick Marcear