When Life Goes Haywire

 

Why is it when one area of my life goes haywire so many others follow suit? My eating choices worsen. My stack of unread paperwork grows larger. My writing becomes less. There is no menu planning. No grocery lists. No getting ahead. Instead, I run back and forth from one fire to another, working frantically to put them all out, but never fully extinguishing any of them. It’s reactive living at its finest. And it always – eventually – takes a toll on me.

If I were to list all my recent failures, no doubt some would think less of me and some would think better of themselves.

We live in a world where success matters. The kind of success that gets you named mother of the year or gets your kids noticed for their excellent academic, musical or athletic abilities.

We often gauge this success by the size of our homes, the prestige of our neighborhoods, the name brand of our clothing, or the type of vehicle we drive. And then we scroll through social media, subconsciously keeping count of what others are able to accomplish and we are not.

When we’re in a place heavy with defeat, focusing on what everyone else appears to be doing right can lead us into falsely assuming they have it all together and we do not. We mistakenly believe we must be doing something wrong. And if we sit with these thoughts long enough, we risk slipping back into that old familiar pit of discouragement.

Even now, that’s where some of my days begin. And sometimes, that’s where an otherwise good day will end – with a battle brewing between my mind and my heart.

My mind reminds me I am not alone. I have a Savior who longs to help me, to strengthen me, to rescue me.  But my heart is not so kind. It insists because I feel alone, I must truly be alone. And that’s where the true challenge lies. Believing what I know to be true even when my heart tries convincing me otherwise.

What about you, my friend? Are you feeling trapped in such a place? Always running behind. Never able to catch up. Dropping this ball and that one. Letting others down. Letting yourself down. Feeling as if little hope remains.

If so, may I encourage you today? Don’t give up. Don’t believe Satan’s lies that you are not enough. That you can’t win. That you’ll never get it right. They are just that …. lies.

Instead, get to know what it is your Creator says about you.

You are loved.

See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children – and we are!   1 John 3:1

You are special.

For it was you who created my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I will praise you because I have been remarkably and wondrously made. Your works are wondrous, and I know this very well.   Psalm 139:13-14

You are not alone.

Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.   Hebrews 13:5b

You are forgiven.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.   1 John 1:9

You belong.

And I will be a Father to you and you will be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.   2 Corinthians 6:18

Even when you feel out of sorts. Even when your life is filled with chaos. Even when the world around you is going haywire. Even then, you are all of these and so much more! Don’t let anyone – not even your own heart – tell you differently.

Instead, resolve to continue in His word, claim His promises and cling to Him. Friend, that’s how we scale this wall. That’s how we step out of this pit. That’s how we make the most of this life.

Share and Follow!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Archives

Subscribe Now!

Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.
Scroll to Top