Rough Week by Mary
Rough Week by Mary
Do you ever have a week that is just rough on you, mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually?
This past week has been one of those for me. As some of you know, my mom passed away the first part of January. For a number of years, I have been taking mom on a vacation to somewhere sunny and warm this time of year, typically this past week. So I am a little sad, missing her and her sense of adventure.
Also, this time last year one of the kindest, fun-loving friends I’ve ever know passed away after battle an illness for eight months. While she was battling the illness I never dreamed it would take her home. I am missing her laugh and her playful spirit.
Additionally this past week, a young couple that I love bunches was devastated as they discovered her pregnancy was ending in a miscarriage. My heart just cries for them.
Lastly, to be totally honest, this time of year I struggle to keep myself out of the dark hole of depression. All of these circumstances this week seem to have just piled one on top of another.
The thing is that I realize that I am in the middle of a spiritual battle. Satan is trying hard to knock the love of life and the joy I have deep inside right out of me. Fortunately, I have some great weapons that I am using to defeat this attack. First of all, I am spending time first thing every morning with God. Mostly this week, I have just been telling Him of my sadness and asking for His comfort and peace. He understands.
James 4:7 tells us to” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” As my shield, I am carrying index cards with verses that remind me of God’s faithfulness. Anytime I have a depressing thought, I have been whipping out one of the cards to block the attack.
Lastly, I am trying to spend extra time with people I love. Just being around them or talking to them on the phone lift my spirits.
Do you have any great weapons against spiritual battles that have waged against you? I would love to hear about them.
February 12th, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Thanks for sharing that Mary. I think my defenses are a lot like yours; having truths from the Bible to hold on to and good friends. There something so refreshing about being able to let your guard down with someone who loves you. It’s like you have a moment that you can catch your breath because they care for you and help ease the burdens.
February 17th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
I think you’re doing exactly what you should be doing Mary. I think turning to God instead of just “pushing through it” on your own is inspiring to read about. I think it’s so easy for us (I say us, but I guess I mean me) to forget how much I need God. Without even realizing it I find that I’m struggling to solve something or fix something that is out of my league or simply out of my control. I don’t mean to do it, it’s just that idea of driving the car with the bad alignment, suddenly I look up and I’m on the side of the road. Going to God first, first thing, first fruit, that’s the way to do it.
He’s a shelter and a support. I know that and when I realize how long I’ve been struggling on my own, I always feel like a fool. I’m working on changing that. I’ve got email reminders at work that go off every 2 hours and every 1 hour to sort of check in with God, and make sure that I’m on track. Its not perfect but helps keep me from getting overwhelmed. Thanks for sharing this, even though your post was about a lousy week, the way you are handling it is encouraging. Thanks again and Keep it up.