Light? Momentary? Are you kidding me Paul? Some of the stressors in my life seem anything but light and momentary. Sometimes it feels like I'm carrying the weight of the world. My chest hurts. My breathing is rapid and shallow. I can't sleep. I get indigestion every time I try to eat. My back and neck ache. I wouldn't call some of the stuff I have to endure light or momentary. It's more like heavy, unbearable, incapacitating, with no end in sight.
To be honest, I can't count the situations that I've encountered in life that appeared to have no solution. Impending doom or disaster was looming at my doorstep. Medical bills to car repairs to leaky roofs to personnel issues to health issues to relationship issues to church issues to employment issues to you fill in the blank, I've had to face some overwhelming odds that I couldn't figure out or had the resources to handle.
Whenever I face such situations, I have a tendency to grit my teeth, gather my determination and jump into it with the idea that I'm going down swinging (which usually happens, I go down and then I'm depressed). The older I get, I'm learning to do exactly what Paul says here, to look beyond the crisis or hardship and fix my eyes on the one who has the ability and power and wisdom to deal with it. I'm learning to look for my strength not in my ingenuity or savvy or abilities or even my determination, but to rely on God for the kind of strength I need to endure.
I've found that when I'm dealing with issues on my own, I'm tense, terse, and temperamental. My internal restlessness is experienced by everyone in my presence or close proximity. However, when I am able to put my trust in God completely, the best way I know how, then I experience an inner peace. I'm then able to endure without panic, the situation I face. My spirit remains alive in me and my intimacy with God seems to grow.
God, it's so easy to focus on all my problems instead of you. I know that if I'm seeking to do your will many of my problems wouldn't exist. I realize I get myself into many a mess. That's why I'm looking to you. Lord, help me not to be overcome by my struggles or emotions or even depression. Allow me to see life from your perspective so that I don't lose heart. I'm looking past my problems today, Lord. I'm keeping my eyes focused on you.
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