Unsustainable

Life can be frustrating at times. Even downright mean. So, how do we cope with the sudden unpredictable nastiness that enters our lives upon occasion?

This was a tough couple of weeks on my calendar. Two funerals, the anniversaries of two youth groups who took their own lives. All that plus a Facebook birthday reminder of another youth group related kid who was murdered. That's a lot. But that's just me. Everybody's going through something.

So, how do we handle these negative events in our lives? I guess that all depends on how severe the life events are, our support system, and our own mental and emotional and spiritual strength.

Maybe I'm just weird, but after the initial shock of a traumatic event, I'm usually pretty good at handling it. But there was a time . . .

Part of my testimony of how I came to faith in Christ involved the death of a 9-year-old girl in our community. That was a disturbing event for our entire state. But that took place before I became a follower of Jesus. I was angry at God for allowing that to happen. That's how my unsaved mind was working back then.

Now, thankfully, I look at things differently. And that difference is Jesus. The peace I feel in my mind and heart now is amazing.

It's easy to get frustrated, and even lost, watching all of the negative news headlines. Here's a suggestion. Turn off the TV. Who cares.

One might say they want to stay informed. Okay. I would reply with the words from a couple of prophets.

"All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay His hand or say to Him, “What have you done?” - Daniel 4:35

"Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose." - Isaiah 46:10

Removing ourselves from the situation and focusing on the needs of others in the situation is another thing that helps. However, having the Holy Spirit to guide us in these things is essential. That brings us to the most important mental health survival tip: Have Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.

The world we are currently living in is not sustainable. Do you have your reservations in for the next one? It's coming.

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. ²I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." - Revelation 21:1-2