Things will get better.

Last night, I had the sudden realization that a major issue I was stressing over just a few months ago wasn’t even bothering me anymore. The issue hasn’t gone away. But the feeling of worry has. I can’t name the exact moment it happened. It was gradual — a daily choice to trust God, to spend time in His word, in prayer, with other believers. But it’s gone. replaced by a peace and a lightness of spirit that I couldn’t have imagined a few months ago.

I thought back to other difficult times in my life, when I felt overwhelmed. And I realized, in every instance, the feeling passed. And, if I’m perfectly honest, those feelings passed a lot quicker when I clung to God and His promises rather than clinging to my fears and frustrations.

Some of those times, all God asked was that I wait patiently, trusting Him. That’s the case with my most recent struggle. Other times, God has asked me to act. A couple years ago, I was in a place where my relationship with God was being hindered. I needed to leave that place. It took action on my part – painful action. I hate change, hate confrontation, hate being disliked. And God was asking all that of me – and more. He was asking, ultimately, that I love Him more than I love myself, my own comfort, and my reputation.

In every case – whether waiting or working – obedience to what God has asked has brought greater peace, a greater understanding of Christ and who I am in Him, and greater joy. In every case, the feelings – and even the circumstances – have passed.  And in every case, God has blessed my obedience in unexpected and amazing ways.

Maybe you’re in a place where you feel overwhelmed, stressed, angry, upset, or hurt. Maybe you feel like you’ll never get past it, never get through this.

Hang on. Cling to God. Read His words and meditate on His promises. Spend time with other believers. Seek wisdom to know whether God is asking you to wait or to act.

Ultimately, this struggle WILL pass. You will feel joy again, you’ll experience peace. And, if you trust God through this, you’ll come out stronger, knowing God better, equipped to help others through similar struggles.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Is. 40:31