Life gets frustratingly messy at times. Your days don't go as planned; your budget doesn't last as much as you expected; and your expectations aren't met the way you want them to be met. What do you do when these things happen?
Thanks to God, we can always rest assured that no matter what happens, He is in control. Psalm 115:3 reminds us that "Our God is in the heavens, and He does as He wishes." Whatever happens, God reigns supreme. His purposes will never be thwarted (see Job 42:2).
Knowing these, here are a few things we can do when life gets out of hand.
1. Rest in the Lord
Proverbs 16:1-4 reassures us of God's plans: "We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. The Lord has made everything for His own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster."
God knows what He's doing – even when we don't understand it. It's wrong to think that some things are out of God's hand, because nothing goes out of His hand – he remains sovereign over everything. Knowing this, we should rest in Him.
2. Trust in His protection and care
Psalm 3:5-6 comforts us when life gets messy: "I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side."
Psalm 4:6-8 also encourages us to rely on the Lord's goodness: "Many people say, "Who will show us better times?" Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe."
Trust in the Lord's goodness. Although many things get out of hand, we can count on Him to be dependable, reliable and good all the time.
3. Seek and love the Lord always
No matter what happens, you should decide to seek the Lord and His will always. When we seek Him and think of Him more than we do ourselves in our circumstances, He will always reward us handsomely.
Proverbs 3:5-6 gives us comfort: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."
Romans 8:28 reminds us to love God even when the going gets tough. "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."
