Which one is closest to you? Financial stress. Health issues. Relationship problems. Psychological difficulties. Emotional uncertainty.
Everyone from time to time, to varying degrees and lengths of time, have struggles. Than included Jesus. The only difference between Him and us is that he never failed.
Hebrews 4:15 We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
I’ve had many people come to me over the years to talk about their problems. Most want genuine help. A few want affirmation that they are right. Others want a spiritual band-aid so they get through the problem. I’ve come to a conclusion after talking to many people… having my own issues to deal with… and reflecting much upon Scripture. I know what people need. It usually isn’t what they want to hear, but it IS what they need. This will sound cliche, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
“TRUST ME.” Before hearing the presenting problem or suggesting possible solutions… I can tell whoever I talk to, regardless of what issues they are facing… what they first need. I got it from the words of Jesus as found in Matthew 11:28-30…
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.
Mark 6:31 Because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with Me… by yourselves… to a quiet place… and get some rest.” (NIV)
The most important thing for every person is their relationship to God through Jesus Christ (That’s the “cliche” statement). When you’re in the middle of a difficult situation that is when people NEED to get closer to God and strengthen their relationship with Him. The reason is because when we’re in the middle of a storm, we can’t think properly. So we need to focus on what is most important over all things. After all… the problem it may not get better… it might get worse. So consider these passages… (Read S-L-O-W-L-Y).
2 Corinthians 12:9 He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 4:7 We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 8 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
2 Corinthians 1:8 We were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.
Now for a few practical suggestions:
Spend much time meditating upon God’s truth (Start with the four verses above). Drive those them deep into your soul.
Find some good worship music with solid theology (Preference makes a big difference here. The worship style you like is preferable).
Hang around godly people so that their faith strengthen and encourage you.
Put yourself in a position to hear from God. This is best done in a congregation of believers where God’s Word is faithfully preached.
Pour out your heart to God through prayer. He loves you and wills your ultimate best (Romans 8:28-30).
Trust Jesus that what he promised to do He will do (See Matthew 11:28-30, above). By personal experience I can tell you He will keep His word!