Or (shows me He never left)

It has been many months since I have even had the desire to write on our blog. I wasn’t sure what the problem was but came to discover that the massive stresses of last year had just left me depleted! My husband’s four hospitalizations, three surgeries and my own surgery last December was tough. We also lost some family members last year. We are rejoicing they are with Jesus but miss them. It was a lot! So I will be sharing my personal struggles, hoping to help someone else who may have the same experience as I had.

I found myself feeling overwhelmed by even the easy everyday things. I kept up my regular activities and responsibilities but found no joy in them. Always being exhausted and feeling frustrated with life in general and being critical when I obligated myself to do more. Was it depression- maybe? I knew how I felt was not the real me but it was hard to determine the cause. This is not a place you want to be in or stay too long. People in my family are great during a crisis but tend to fall apart afterwards. So this could also be where I was at.

The good news is even in these dark times, God was there available for the asking. As months went by I continued to read my Bible and daily verses. I participated in Bible study as a group and alone. Even in those so called uneventful days, God still showed up to keep me going and gave us unexpected blessings along the way. God waits for us to seek Him in these times but He is always available. He is present even when it is hard for us to make a move. As we grow in Christ we know this fact but it is sometimes hard to fully understand it. I have turned a corner and feeling much better and hopeful again.

Things to do if you find yourself struggling like I did.

Stay in the word, even if it is just a daily verse. Start a devotional plan and commit to reading it daily. Put up some favorite scriptures for tough days, where you can read them easily.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Get plenty of rest and enough physical exercise. Take a walk and enjoy nature appreciating all God has created. Listen to the word as you walk. Psalms is a great place to start.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Continue to connect with others even if you don’t feel like it. Go to group functions and meet up with friends. Find a trusted friend that you can confide in and share your heart and struggles with. Be honest with God (He knows it all anyway)

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Pray for God to show you new things. Pray for a breakthrough in your situation. Pray for others and look for ways to serve them. Giving of ourselves always makes us feel better and we get more than we give.

Laugh, do something fun and never give up! Count your blessings and remember where God has blessed you in the past. Trust God and He will bring you through tough times and help you find joy again.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

God shows up in many ways as we follow Him, keep looking for His fingerprints along the way. He will amaze you and you will be rejoicing in His wonderful goodness. He never left.