Don't Give Up

This is a tough time for everyone. Don’t give up. Take a break instead to regroup, reassess, and reorient your efforts so you can keep going.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

This particular scripture has been running through my mind ever since COVID-19 caused life as we know it to be shut down. At times comforting, it has also been a source of weariness, if that can make sense.

I want to reap a harvest, but sometimes so many things are crashing all around me that the overwhelm takes over and I want to just. give. up.

Have you felt like this too over the past months?

I don't like feeling discouraged by scripture; I feel it's like letting the enemy get a foothold on my efforts. So, I have developed three ways to combat its effects I'd like to share with you today.

First, it is essential when you are feeling overwhelmed to take a break. You may not think you can, but you have the time. I promise. Schedule it in if you have to. Get up earlier, go to bed a little later, take (another) walk, take a drive. Do whatever you need to do to get some clear headspace. Yes, it's that important.

Regroup. Take deep breaths. Breathe in the truth that you are loved by God and that He is still in control. Receive His grace as you slowly remind yourself that these are unprecedented times. No one has it all figured out. You are not alone. This will end.

Reassess. What are the facts about your current situation? Not the worries, what-if scenarios and fears. The straight facts for this day, this moment. What are you in control of and what is outside of your control?

Reorient. Where do you want to go from here? What is your next best step to take to achieve that? Asking yourself these clarifying questions can help you quiet the noise and focus. When you focus the overwhelm can fade away and give you the strength to keep going.

Growing weary is a part of life. Choosing how we respond to it is up to us.

Don't give up.