Ever felt like hiding?

It's been a secret fantasy as of late. (Guess it's not-so-secret anymore!)

I'd love to literally lock myself away from the world for a month and spend the time watching old movies. And ordering takeout from all of my favorite places. And not answering the phone. Or checking email.

It has been a tough year and though the waters have calmed a bit, life is still not comfortable. I guess my hope in hiding, is that I'll come out on the other side... to normal life. Though summer has been filled with joyful moments, life is still... prickly - realistically, it's likely to stay this way for some time.

I read something the other day that sort of helped and thought it might do the same for someone else working through a difficult season. It has to do with suffering and pain - when something hits out of nowhere and you're left to deal with it. Could be sickness or loss of a loved one. Could be the betrayal of a friend or financial upheaval. It could be a transition of any kind that you did not ask for.

1. We must suffer and endure pain when in a position of weakness, when we have no control over the situation. The pain is bad enough to be sure; what makes it unbearable is the feeling of powerlessness that goes with it. We must endure pain because we cannot prevent or alleviate it.


2. Our emotions can be debilitating. We may feel anger, but it is powerless to help us. We also experience the extra burden of sorrow, the emotion we feel when evil is with us. We need courage to stand firm against these inner emotions as well as outward threats.


3. Endurance implies suffering for a long stretch of time. In our culture, we often expect a quick fix. But the truth is, we do not have much control over how long we must suffer.

So what are we to do with this when faced with extreme hardship and difficulties? For obvious reasons, turning your home (or bedroom) into a hideout is not the answer. Neither is escape by means of alcohol, shopping, or the Internet.

For starters, we need to let someone else in: a trusted friend, family member, health care professional, or pastor. Allow others to be an encouragement to you. Seek prayer. Open yourself up to objective heartfelt advice.

Remember to take life one day at a time. Keep moving. Force yourself to do things you don't "feel" like doing: working, taking care of the house, making dinner, and showering (yes, it can be that bad at times).

Turn to God's word for encouragement. When feeling overwhelmed by fear and doubt, fill your mind and mouth with words of hope.

LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the LORD always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16: 5-8 (NIV)

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Psalm 18:32-36 (NIV)

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. Psalm 28:7-9 (NIV)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 (NKJV)

I run to you, LORD, for protection. Don't disappoint me. Psalm 71:1 (CEV)

Discover for yourself that the LORD is kind. Come to him for protection, and you will be glad. Psalm 34:8 (CEV)

The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NIV)

And lastly, I have a great resource to share. If you've been following my blog for any length of time, you might be familiar with Pete Wilson (remember the Backseat Jesus sermon series?); he's recently written a book entitled, "Plan B: What Do You Do When God Doesn't Show Up the Way You Thought He Would?" Click HERE to learn more.