Just thinking about how some of us wake up everyday in some kind of pain. Maybe it’s physical pain or perhaps it’s the pain of disappointment, anxiety, regret, or grief. Whether it’s emotional, physical or spiritual, pain is pain. And when it lingers day after day, it becomes a monstrous drag.  Then the thought occurred to me: what if we just didn’t? 

 What if, instead of waking up in pain every day, I woke up instead in Christ? What exactly does this mean? Being in Christ is being secure in the knowledge of who Christ is, and in everything he offers to you.  We can choose to wake up in his comfort and his peace. How about deciding to wake up in hope, in trust, in healing? 

Focus on Gratitude

Am I saying we can just wish away physical pain, fear, grief, or loneliness? No. Certainly not. Circumstances are what they are, and we are sometimes powerless to change them. But perhaps attempting to shift our focus can lift the burden a tiny bit. Maybe zeroing in on something good, can give us a brief respite from our troubles and help us to see that there could be  – maybe – a tiny flicker of light at the end of the tunnel. A remote possibility that things could get better; finding a way out, perhaps. 

Where could this day go if I woke up in optimistic faith, belief and acceptance… of God’s good plan for this moment, and for my life? What would change…? I can focus on all the good things that I have been given – apart from my current difficulty, but maybe, even, in some ways because of it… Finding blessings in the adversity.

Now, I am big on gratitude, and so very thankful for all that I have. But do I focus on being thankful all day? Am I letting God’s blessings in my life be the predominant motivation for my daily thoughts, words, actions, attitude? I think I could use some work in this area. 

Switching Gears

Maybe you are waking up in fear because of your finances, or in anxiety over a loved one’s health. Maybe you are waking up in physical or emotional pain, or in guilt or shame over something you’ve done. Perhaps you are waking up in confusion over some big decision you need to make. Maybe it is sadness or grief you are waking up in, from a loss of some sort – a job… a relationship…. a loved one… your confidence… maybe it is a complete loss of hope.

 Can we choose instead to wake up and remain in Christ? In his comfort, his guidance, his protection, his wisdom? I know, I know – easier said than done. But, maybe it’s worth a try. It may sound idealistic,  like okay I’m just supposed to pretend I don’t have problems? Just ‘will away’ the loss, confusion, depression, anxiety…? Well, no. Not exactly. But if you are a Christ follower, you have  someone on your side. And that goes a long way towards overcoming the difficult times in our lives.

When Jesus said Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest… he meant it.  This is not just a cool Bible verse to quote. It’s a fundamental truth.

Accept His Invitation

If you truly and sincerely trust God and give your burdens over into his care, you will be amazed at the results. There is a flooding of peace in your heart that is a relief like no other. I am feeling it as I write these words and I know it to be true. True for All who come to him with an open heart and mind. 

Things to Try:

  • Begin and end your day with gratitude. For something. 
  • Read the book of Philippians, especially 4:4-13
  • Check out Galatians 5:22 about the Fruits of the Spirit, these are traits that, as believers, we possess the ability to develop.
  • Pray. Ask. Trust. Let God share your burden, and give you the ability to change how you view your circumstance.

What are you waking up in? And if it’s not what God would want for you, are you tired of it yet?

Might be time for a change.

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest…For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28 & 30