Devotion / Coping

Have you ever reached the end of your rope?

Merriam-Webster defines coping as: dealing with and attempting to overcome problems and difficulties. Some synonyms might include managing, handling or surviving. Have you ever reached a point when you thought a problem was beyond coping with? No doubt at this very moment you are thinking back to some of those times.

God’s people are often led in directions far from where they were heading. At the least expected time our lives are thrown into turmoil as unplanned changes enter our comfort zone. Sudden tragedies, bewildering health issues, and unexpected accidents make coping a real challenge. 

It is difficult for anyone to deal with sudden tragedy. The feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming. Many have likened it to sinking into an ocean of despair as the waters of disaster fill all around. Soon there seems to be no way to reverse direction. It becomes ever more difficult to cope.  David wrote in Psalm 13:1, How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Moses once cried out, “I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me. If this is how you are going to treat me, please go ahead and kill me” (Numbers 11:14,15). Elijah once complained, “I have had enough, Lord, take my life (1 Kings 19:4).

We rely on the Lord

At times like these we realize there is no way out apart from taking hold of our Father’s hand and relying completely on his strength to carry us through.

When Jonah was imprisoned in the fish, he prayed, In my distress I called to the LORD. . . . When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you. (Jonah 2:1,7). Jonah discovered that even in the deepest depths, God is still there.

What would we do without our loving God to help us when we hit bottom? How could we cope in this life without the comfort and strength of our gracious Lord? It is during these moments of weakness, the Lord demonstrates his strength. Jonah realized that, and he soon felt God’s love surround him. Jonah’s prayer ends with the assurance, And you listened to my cry.

Psalm 9:9,10 provides words of hope and help, The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

by Reynold R. Kremer