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Dark days will not last forever. Some periods of darkness may be longer or more difficult than others, but they are only temporary. The sun will shine again.
When you are surrounded by problems, it is simply difficult to imagine yourself out of them. Like one indebted to so many that you even begin to forget some of their names; at this point, a life financial freedom is usually unfathomable
However, important to note is that usually when tough times strike, our human limitations tend to fix our attention on one side of the picture- the negative. Rarely the coloured or black and white side.
So-where is the problem? What is it? A matter of perspective. Your perspective always plays a key role in your response to crisis. It either blows it all out of proportion or sees the crisis for what it really is, a temporary situation.
Today I want to share some practical tips on how to manage tough times in our individual lives, family, school and workplace.
Saturating our minds with Bible scripture
“A mind centered on the truth of God is the key to being sustained and not losing heart,” says Dr. David Jeremiah.” One of the promises from God’s Word is that He will give me “perfect peace” if I keep my mind “stayed” or focused on Him (Isaiah 26:3). I have found this to be true countless times, but I also know it’s easy to talk about and a lot harder to practice.
Write down verses that speak to your situation
One of the things that helps me is to intentionally meditate on God’s Word. As I write down verses that resonate with me and journal my thoughts, I am transformed by the renewing of my mind. Sometimes the act of putting my thoughts on paper helps me to process and visually see what might otherwise go in one ear and out the other.
If our thinking doesn’t line up with the truth of God’s Word, then we are the ones who must change.
Cultivate a habit of gratefulness
Try to look for anything that might be considered a “bright spot” and cultivate gratefulness for even that smallest bit of light. Many people find that keeping a gratitude journal or simply writing down something they are grateful for each day helps them to see the good when everything else seems dark.
Practice daily quietness and reflection.
This of course includes majorly personal Prayer time and Bible reading. But it goes beyond that. You must believe what the Bible teaches. For instance it dictates that “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 4:8). As an introvert, I find that regular times of quiet and stillness are vital in helping me to gain clarity and know what thoughts I need to “take captive.”
Be gracious and patient with yourself
Don’t be hard on yourself. Forgive yourself of some of your mistakes. Allow yourself a chance to start over. Give yourself grace when it comes to making changes. Concentrate on making changes one at a time. “Aim for progress, not perfection,” as is popularly said.
Seek medical attention where necessary
It’s not uncommon to feel hesitant or even ashamed to seek medical help. I do understand, but I want to encourage you to at least consider taking medication as part of your treatment plan. It doesn’t mean you are weak, crazy, or unspiritual. Our mental health is directly related to our physical health. For example, depression or anxiety can be brought on by an underlying physical condition that must be treated alongside the mental condition. We don’t think badly of people who take medication for other illnesses; this should be no different.
Know and accept your limitation.
Be gently to yourself. Remember that you are on a journey toward wholeness. When you are sick with the flu, do not expect your productivity to be as is when you are healthy. There are certain things you do to take care of yourself during a time of sickness, and these speed your return to bodily health. In the same way, when you’re mentally and emotionally fighting a kind of illness, try to do the things that will “take care” of you and help you to get better.
