Wow, one more thing to tackle. Something else to think through and figure out. One more obstacle to jump over. Another person to try to please.
Do you have these same thoughts as well?
I have them on the daily, and honestly it feels like they just keep piling up one after the other in my mind. Sometimes the only words I can form or speak out to God is, “I’m struggling.”
It may not be severe and it may not be rooted from something drastic or deep, but it’s all the little things that start bubbling up to the surface in a big way. We all struggle from time to time, and sometimes we just need to simply admit it to our gracious and heavenly Father.
As a children’s ministry leader, I write Bible story lessons weekly. The stories we teach range from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The stories are often well-known (Creation, Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, etc.), but sometimes they’re stories that aren’t told very often (King Hezekiah’s illness, Zechariah’s unbelief, God defends Elisha, etc.). However, one thing is always common throughout writing, teaching and hearing these stories: God’s overwhelming goodness.
Just recently, I was reminded that God is my Father. I knew this of course, and have heard it many times, but for some reason through the simplicity of a children’s Bible story lesson, it actually sunk in. God isn’t just the Lord of all of the earth and the almighty Creator, He’s also my Father. He’s personal and He’s always there (even when I’m far away).
In a world with so much noise, fast-paced days, packed calendars and numerous to-do lists, sometimes the simple reminder of God’s goodness is all we need. That reiteration that God is for us, with us and fights our battles on our behalf. Even those day to day struggles matter to Him.
When I’m struggling the most, it’s when I’m carrying the weight of everything on my own. I’m attempting to take on a load of baggage that I was never meant to haul around. During those times of getting close to breaking-point, God simply whispers to me that He’s got it and He’s in control. It’s really not a mystery or a hard to sort through puzzle; God is in the driver’s seat and He simply wants us to ride along in security and faith in Him.
It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
2 Samuel 22:33
There are so many factors that contribute to our struggles, and we all have different ones to sort through. Even as I write this, I know how difficult it is to give over our struggles with confidence that God will sort them out. I carry things around that I don’t always know what to do with. Our struggles can sometimes paralyze us, leaving us feeling empty and unseen.
If you’re struggling with anything at all, just know you’re not alone. You’re not alone in how you feel and you’re not alone in dealing with it all. God is there, and I’m reminding myself of this as well. He cares about our struggles, and He has a plan to work them out for good. Keep repeating that to yourself and truly start to believe it.
This verse is an encouragement to me in the midst of my struggles.
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.
Isaiah 41:10
I’m reminded of these very important truths in this Scripture.
- God is with us (always)
- He is OUR God (He’s for us)
- He will strengthen us (in any situation)
- He helps us (we don’t have to walk alone)
- He will uphold us (He keeps us moving forward in confidence)
No matter what struggle you may be facing today, just know you are fully cared for and loved. You’re not alone and you don’t need to struggle alone. God will give you strength and He will heal those parts of you that are feeling broken.
It’s ok to struggle. We grow the most through our trials and moments of discomfort, but we should also use those as opportunities to depend on God completely. He allows us to grow, but we need His strength to get there. He helps us mature and gain wisdom, but we must first seek Him.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13
When you don’t have the words or the solutions to problems you may be facing, just turn to God. Abide in Him and ask Him to search those places of your heart you struggle to tell others about. Let Him know how much you need Him and move forward in confident faith.
Simply tell Him…
God, I’m struggling a bit. I need You.
Marlene Taylor
TALKING TO GOD DOES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE