I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.Phil. 4:13

 Ever have one of 'those' days?  A day when you are tired or ill, aching or in pain?  Maybe it's a day when you simply cannot face going to a job you dislike, or perhaps a job where your co-workers are unfriendly.  Maybe it's a day when the endless parade of creditors' calls are simply more than you can stand. 

 

Whatever the provocation, we've all experienced a time in which the dawn of a new day seemed not like a fresh round of opportunity, blessing, an fulfillment but like another endurance trial.  Challenges come to us all, but sometimes they pile up like jets over the runway - and we want to run, to hide, to do anything to get relief.

 

The world offers a lot of quick fixes - whether it's a shopping spree, alcohol, drugs, food, a day at the casino, whatever.  All these 'fixes' have a catch, though, like so many of the world's pleasures.  After the high has worn off, the same problems are waiting for you.  Often the fix creates new problems, which make your temporary 'relief' a new problem in itself. 

 

Those of us who profess a vibrant faith - or even a weak one - have an advantage on such days.  We can turn to Christ, we can give over all the troubles that keep us awake at night.  He upholds us through our trials and brings us to safety and wholeness.  Even in the midst of them, we can find peace simply by acknowledging his loving presence with us.  Something as simple as repeating the verse above or invoking the name of Jesus like a mantra can bring us back to center, and from there, strengthened, we can go on.  

 

This is a verse that has helped millions through trials of all kinds and continues to encourage Christians daily.  May this short verse be a blessing to you in your own difficulties.