4 Tips for Life's PITS
Genesis 37-50 describes the story of Joseph who found himself hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery. His life went in the opposite direction of what he expected—but he learned to see God’s presence and experience His care.
What’s your story? Are you in a pit?
Here are 4 tips for growing spiritually when life is tough:
God wants to grow you into a person who:
Has confidence in Him. Pits can leave us vulnerable to fear, but God wants them to become places of increased faith. Confidence and trust come from repeated experiences of crying out for courage, comfort, and wisdom, as well as seeing God’s answers. David called out to the Lord, “I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge” Psalm 18:1-2.
When you’re in a pit, do what David did and affirm your confidence in God.
Knows Him. Pits tempt us to doubt God’s love, but they contain significant opportunities for growth. Instead of slumping in self-pity wondering if God cares or has the power to change your circumstances, use your pit times to grow by digging into His Word. This is the time to deepen your knowledge of God’s nature, love, and the ways He is working in your life.
To answer some of your questions about God, take time to read and think about Isaiah 55. What does God want you to know about Him in your current situation?
Seeks and obeys His will. Pits can turn us inward, keeping us focused on our feelings. Rather than being blind or deaf to God’s will, turn your pit-time into a seeking and obeying time. Jesus repeatedly linked loving Him with obeying what He commands. “If you love me, you will obey what I command” John 14:15. Focus on what God wants to produce in you or accomplish through you in this hard time.
Ask “Lord, what do You want me to do? Help me obey your commands to forgive, to think what is good, to behave and act as your child. Show me how to be a blessing even when I hurt.”
Is motivated by love for Him and others. Pits can plunge us into bitterness, but God can change our hearts. Instead of nursing grudges, His love poured into our hearts gives the power to forgive, release, and move forward. “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…” Galatians 5:22.Pits are part of life. They can leave us devastated, feeling life is unfair, and so is God. We can cling to bitterness and blaming, feeling we’re a victim of cruel fate.Or: we can praise God for His amazing depth of love evidenced by the Cross of Christ. We can thank Him that He is for us, will never leave us, promises to be our Rock and refuge, and will care for and carry us through all that lies ahead.
Let’s talk: Which choice will you make? I’m praying these words are timely in your life. Let me know how God is leading you, my friend. (If you are an email subscriber and want to comment on the actual post, click here to visit the blog and leave a comment.)