A few weeks ago, I felt discouraged and alone. My husband is working out of state for nine months, I have four children with individual needs and I've been dealing with some personal health trials. One morning, I became overwhelmed. A thought came clearly to my mind, "It's time to give it to God." You don't have to shoulder the burdens and pains of life on your own. Here are six times to involve God as you go through life.
When you feel stuck
If you can't find an answer or solution to a problem, try asking God for help through prayer. If you are willing to listen, an answer will come. It may take time, and the answer may not be what you expected, but it will come. When it does, have the faith to accept it.
When you've done all you can
If you've put forth all the effort you can but are still struggling, God is waiting to help you. He knows the effort you put in. Some things are beyond mortal ability, but nothing is beyond God.
When your burden is too heavy
The scripture "Cast thy burden upon the Lord and he shall sustain thee..." (Psalms 55:22) runs through my mind often as I experience hard times. God will not give you more than you can handle, but he is also willing to help you carry your burden. Sometimes he sends angels in the form of caring people. Other times he makes burdens seem light. Always, his grace can attend you.
When you feel like you can't go on
Some struggles are so difficult that you feel like you can't endure any more. Pain, loneliness and despair can leave you feeling devoid of love and light. Turn to God and find peace, even if your trials continue. Sometimes you need to borrow a little bit of faith and light to take one more step forward. God is willing to lift you up and give you courage.
When you feel inspired to ask for help
If you feel a little nudge that what you're experiencing is beyond your own ability, give it to God. In Matthew 7:7 he teaches us, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find ... " God can help you. By humbling yourself and asking for help, you are showing God a willingness to listen and be taught. Lessons learned through meekness and humility are powerful.
When you want to be more than you are
Everyone struggles with different things. My struggles come as I try to be a better wife and parent while pursuing my own ambitions and trying to make the world around me a better place. When my motivations come from a pure place that is not self-serving, I know God is willing to help me. As I ask him to, I am blessed with patience, strength, quickness of mind and more love.
You don't have to go it alone. There is power in asking God for help. He will assist you and bless you because he loves you. My trials have not ended since I decided to turn them over to God, but I have been able to endure. The next time you feel like you can't do it on your own, give it to God and see how peace fills your life.
