This week our area of the country is expected to reach record-breaking high temperatures. People respond differently to intense heat. Some stay inside. Others spend the day in the pool or at the lake. But for those with outdoor jobs, there is no escape.
Likewise, when life situations cause you to experience trial by fire, you have no choice but to walk that unwanted path. While you might not be able to dodge the intense heat of unexpected life situations, there are methods to help you cope.
Following are reflections on scorcher life situations and how to handle them:
The Unexpected
So much in life is unexpected and beyond our control. Sometimes we trick ourselves into believing we have control over what happens next, but we don’t. That unforeseen medical diagnosis, car accident, betrayal, or various types of loss, could happen at any time. Knowing this doesn’t mean we should live in fear. Instead, recognize God’s power, protection, and peace through hardship instead of wishing for a way around it.
Criticism and Complaints
Do you have a critic? You know, that person who is always standing in the wings waiting to jab you with a little dig just when you’re feeling good about yourself or happy after a long dry season. Critics and complainers abound. They are the bane of our world.
Learning to deal with critics and complainers requires focus and the avoidance of reactionary engagement. It’s hard. We grow weary because those who criticize and complain rarely step down from their soapbox.
Keep in mind you can’t please everyone, and working for the approval of critics and complainers is pointless. Pray, looking to your Eternal Creator for guidance and approval. He made you. He knows your heart.
Impossible/Irregular People
On the heals of critics and complainers come impossible/irregular people. In fact, they are usually one in the same. These are the folks who are skilled at gaslighting, twisting your words, intentionally misunderstanding and/or taking offense.
Turn down the heat by guarding yourself and avoiding engagement and interaction when possible. Sometimes, distance is the only reasonable and protective course of action.
Ways to Cope When Heat is High:
Talk it Out or Journal
Many handle difficulty by talking about it, but there is a fine line between expression and complaining. If blaming is part of your “talk it out,” take a step back and view what is happening from a different perspective. Switch to journaling, which often helps to process emotions without spewing words you’ll later regret.
For me, writing this blog has been my most helpful method of dealing with loss. Yet, my desire is to encourage and provide hope rather than promote pity.
Quiet Fears
The recent assassination attempt of former president Trump underscores the chaotic and uncertain times in which we live.
Sometimes, we can handle rising fear if we view it as “out there,” but when dealing with your own tragedies and hardships, you can’t escape “up close and personal.”
When life heats up, fear rears its ugly head. If we aren’t careful, fear overtakes our lives, coloring every decision and halting forward motion. Fear feeds on anxiety, so stop your mind from ruminating on worst-case scenarios. Fear only has the amount of power you give it.
Remember Difficulty is for a Season or a Reason
Sometimes, when we’re in the middle of crisis, we forget difficulty is just for a season, not forever. When you are struggling, you must search for light at the end of the tunnel because your vision may be clouded by the enormity of your circumstances. Life seasons come and go.
Although hard to understand, you may be in your current life season for a reason—to encourage spiritual growth, for protection, or to prepare you for what’s next. Wait and trust. Seasonal change is ahead.
Take Time to Rest and Refresh
When life heats up, we often feel we must do something productive, right now. But frenzied activity exhausts rather than helps. Rest. Wait. Take time to refresh your body, mind, and spirit. You can trust God to continue working on your issues and bring resolution and peace, in His timing.
“When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown. When you walk through fire, you won’t be burned or scorched by the flames” (Isaiah 43:2 CEV).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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