Normally, I’m a big proponent for “faking it until you make it.”  However, I’m learning that sometimes you just shouldn’t fake your feelings of hopelessness and loneliness (or any other feelings for that matter) because they need to be let out and cared for so that you can feel better in the long run.

So much for a lifelong mantra!!

Stuffing the feelings down sounds a whole lot better, but it’s just not possible when they bubble up and overflow like a raging river running over its boundaries.

Feelings have a way of coming out regardless of whether we stuff them, hide them or try to ignore them.

Unfortunately, I think most of us learned from a very young age to get it right the first time or else face harsh ridicule and judgment from others.

We need to fix this.

Life is a journey…not a destination.  It’s a series of mountains and valleys that follow us all of our days.  And some of those days are spent wallowing in a deserted place and others are danced into the morning on a paradise island (or whatever metaphor works for your bad and good times – clearly, my good times would have an umbrella in my drink).

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1Peter 4:12

The truth is that from our personal perspective comes the harshness or ease of life.  Our lives are from our point of views and that’s why our attitudes matter so much!!  No one else counts when it comes to our own attitude.

That being said, if our attitudes stink, I can bet that most other things in life will follow suit.  But, if we pray for an attitude like Christ, we will see life much differently.

Easier said than done.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2Corinthians 12:9

The pit of despair is a deep one, but not impossible to climb out of.  Our bad attitudes and terrible feelings can keep us there longer than need be, but our Lord and Savior can pull us out just in the nick of time!

We just have to stay focused upward instead of inward!!

I read something recently that said, “Before you take it to someone else, take it to God.”

Our first and best plan of action for anything we are facing today is to take it to God in prayer.  Better yet, go to Him in prayer with your Bible in hand and you will be amazed at the guidance you’ll find.

The one thing we have to keep in mind is that just because we ask – it doesn’t mean we will receive the answer we want or in the way we want.  (That stinks, I know!)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Sometimes we are in a place where God is teaching us something like patience, humility, or dependence on Him.  None of these are bad to have, but none of them are fun to go through.

No matter how you are feeling today, lean on God and you will start feeling better in no time!

Breathe.  God’s got you.  He’s going to lead you to a new place with the strength, wisdom and courage you need.

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 30:5 – Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.