It is when facing adversity that we have a choice: To turn toward God or to turn away.
I have tried both and can say with absolute certainty that facing adversity with God feels like a lighter burden.
This is no mystery. Jesus shared this knowledge with the crowds in Matthew 11:28-30, "Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'"
When the going gets rough, why don't we turn toward him?
I have found a lot of human excuses. I know for me it can be about time, distractions or other priorities. Sometimes I'm just tired! Yet I know that sometimes it's because I don't understand why I'm facing this adversity that I don't see others around me facing.
And yet whenever I start to feel sorry for myself, it's in these moments that I see a news story or update in a social feed about someone somewhere who is facing something far worse than me.
When that happens, I am brought back to saying thanks - and giving myself a grace-filled moment to refocus on the many things I do have. And then turn back in toward God whether that be in my Bible, listening to Christian music, PRAYING, or simply going for a walk and just talking to God.
He is there. My prayer for you is that you turn toward God when you face adversity.
How do you turn toward God when facing adversity?