I haven’t always been successful at coping with the stress of hard times. In fact, I found that my choice of coping mechanisms actually made me feel worse than my problems. Instead of going with the flow of the currents of my tough seasons, I often acted on impulse, panicked, and did things that caused me to drown in my sorrow.
When I should have been using prayer and praise as ways to cope with stress, throughout the years I either turned to pornography, sex, or alcohol. Though they offered a temporary relief to my flesh, because I knew these things were wrong, my spirit became wounded; thus, causing the problems I was already facing even harder to bear. In fact, I really wasn’t dealing with my tough times, but only suppressing and pacifying my feelings with sinful lusts of the flesh. At a time when I should have been drawing nigh to God, my inability to woman up and deal with what the Lord was allowing to happen in my life, ultimately as a means to grow and mature me, I became caught up in my feelings and allowed my sins to separate me from Him.
I eventually came to realize that my way of coping was totally wrong, and caused more harm than good. I knew that I HAD to learn a better way. It took some time, but through what I like to call my Fool-Proof Combination - Prayer, Fasting, and Studying God’s word - I learned that God wanted to give me beauty for my ashes, the oil of joy for my mourning, and the garment of praise for my spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3) He taught me how to adopt prayer, praise, and worship as the perfect way of getting through the difficult seasons in my life. I am a witness that it works!
There’s no doubt that He will bring us out of the tough times we face, no matter the level of pain and difficulty. Although God will see us through, however, that does not negate the fact that we must learn how to go through His way. The way of escape is already mapped out; however, we must be in tune with God in order to allow His Holy Spirit to lead us to that place of deliverance. This can be accomplished by praying, praising, and worshiping the Lord, even in the midst of your fiercest storm.
I know sometimes it can be difficult to praise or even talk to God when your whole world seems to be falling apart. And I know that sometimes the pain can be so intense that all you want is quick relief. But instead of turning to things that have no lasting power, I dare you to tap into the One who has all power.
Instead of falling into the arms of a random Joe, fall into the arms of Jesus, your constant companion .
Instead of spending money in retail therapy, spend time with God in real worship.
Instead of searching for relief at the bottom of the bottle, find serenity at the foot of the Cross.
Praise and prayer invites God into your situation, and anytime God is present things are guaranteed to change. Consider Paul and Silas when they had been unjustly arrested, bound in chains, and thrown in jail. (Acts 16:23-26) What did they do? They didn't call Tyrone and try to orchestrate a prison break. No! They made the choice to turn to the thing that they knew would bring them out. They prayed and sang praises to God. They invited God into their situation, and He showed up. He caused every chain to be loosed, and they were made free. How much more does God want to do the same thing for you?
There is no better formula for coping with the trials of life than that of prayer, praise and worship. When you go into your secret place and commune with God, He will come and sit smack dab in the middle of your raging sea and command peace. Even if He doesn't calm the storm, He'll calm you with His grace until it passes.
Cope with Christ.
From my heart to yours...
xoxo
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