When difficult times come, and we are overwhelmed, we place our hope on the circumstances changing, so we will feel better and the pain and darkness will leave. We want the bad feelings after the argument to be resolved. We want the problem fixed. We want the answer to the dilemma. We want the other person to change.

In those times, we ask God to take “the problem” away and sometimes He does, but more often He doesn’t. So if you can’t depend on the problem going away, and you feel like you can’t handle it, what can you depend on changing? Over time, you will change!

• You will have different feelings, thoughts, and reactions because you will have had time to process and adjust.
• You will see things differently when you aren’t in the middle of the crisis and reacting.
• You will find strength and courage you didn’t know you had.
• You will find help and resources that you didn’t realize were available.
• You will be changed by the circumstances, which will change your perspective.
• You will find God in the midst of the difficulties and be empowered by His Spirit.
• You will work through the grief process eventually and come to acceptance where you will feel peace and be able to rest even in the midst of the problems.

So even if the problem doesn’t pass, the way you perceive it in this moment will, and you will be able respond differently to it. Remember that the next time you feel overwhelmed with things, are tempted to lose hope, and enter into despair over the feeling that they will last forever.

By Karla Downing

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Help me remember in the midst of my difficulties that “This too shall pass.”

Relationship Devotional Challenge

• When you are tempted to give up, give in, or give out, remember that “This too shall pass.”

Scripture Meditation

 
Psalm 30:5

“Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (NIV).

Psalm 42:5

“Why are you so downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (NIV).