Setbacks Are NOT The End Of Your Journey

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

Proverbs 4:23 

 

We all have setbacks because life is not perfect, not is it fair (in our way of thinking).  In our journey on this 3rd Rock From The Sun (see what I did there?), we will fall down more than we think is necessary, due to our own means or because someone else pushed us.  We will have mishaps and missteps; we will get off track and we will get discouraged.  But that's not anything noteworthy because we all know it will happen.  Now, here's where the brain cells need to be jump-started, so go get some (more) coffee and let's figure out how to deal with setbacks.

 

Here we go:

 

1. Stay Positive

God already knew before time existed that we cannot handle the situations we will encounter in this life alone.  Guess what?  He never intended for us to carry the burdens in this life.  I can tell by your stunned expression that you are rather surprised by that statement.  But here's what we have to remember, God gives us a choice!  Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6 that we have God's promise that when we come to Him in prayer and lay our burdens at His feet, He will give us His peace.

 

We can also stay positive by giving God praise.  Psalm 42:5 reminds us that when our hearts feel discouraged, we should look to God and praise Him.  So think about this: How can we keep a heavy heart while we thank God for ALL He does for us and gives us?  We can't!  Being discouraged is a natural response, but STAYING negative is a decision!

 

2.  Guard Your Mind

Today's verse: "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." is a reminder that where our minds goes, so does our life.  We will live as we believe!  If we believe that, due to a setback, we are worthless failures and we will NEVER amount to anything, we will begin to live that way.  "As a man thinks, so is he."  Focus on things YOU can control...and you control what you think!

 

We will face setbacks.  Don't lose heart! You aren't alone in this!  Life is a journey and God put a LOT of other people on this Earth as a reminder that we do not walk this journey alone!  Trust God by taking ALL your cares and concerns to Him (and LEAVE THEM WITH HIM), and you will begin to see just how much better this life can be.