God Has Not Forgotten You: When Life Is Turned Upside Downಮಾದರಿ

Reaching Out for Help

Facing a hard season in life can be a traumatic experience. You can feel as if your life has been shattered—that nothing will ever be the same; that peace and joy could never again be possible. You may battle powerful feelings of shock, hurt, confusion, fear, worry, and even anger. This is a normal and necessary response to tragedy and loss and part of the process toward healing. But for some, grief can become complicated, and if left unchecked can turn into depression. One of the warning signs is when a person finds it too difficult to face or even make it through the day. That’s when you know they are not coping well.

How about you? How are you coping? Are you feeling down? Having trouble sleeping? Lashing out in anger? Withdrawing from family and friends? Any or all of these symptoms may be a normal first step in the healing process for you. But if you are having difficulty moving beyond this step, pastoral or professional counseling may be necessary to move forward. Otherwise, you may begin to respond in unhealthy ways that can have lifelong effects, such as becoming bitter, giving up on life, turning to drugs or alcohol, or even considering suicide.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Your family and friends are there for encouragement and support. Start by setting up some time with a pastor or counselor to help guide you toward wellness (even if by phone or online video meetings). Above all, don’t give up! With God’s help and your willingness, you can make it.

Taking back your life

1. Does it seem as if you just can’t be comforted or relieved from your despair? If so, pray to God and tell Him what you need. Be completely honest about the way you are feeling and ask Him to guide you in finding the help you need. But don’t stop there. Tell someone you trust that you need help to overcome your grief. Perhaps God will use that person to guide you to a pastor or godly counselor who can help.
2. Be sure to talk to a doctor about any physical symptoms (severe headaches, dizziness, chest pain, racing heart, difficulty sleeping, etc.) that you may be experiencing as a result of this tragedy and the stress related to it. It is important to care for your physical body as you journey toward complete wellness.
3. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” What encouragement does this Scripture give you as you think about the journey to wellness that is before you?