“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24
What do you do when all of your strength seems to fail you?
What do you do when it seems to be sucked from your body through trying or exhausting tasks? Have you been discouraged recently or perhaps even right now?
Perhaps it is time to take a step back from your troubles and those things that sap your energies.
The other day I was looking for my keys and I couldn’t find them.
I had searched high and low, even looking underneath the cushions on the couch.
I was getting frustrated and anxious, because I had to be somewhere and my vehicle key is rather important. So finally I sit down, trying not to allow the momentary panic of potentially missing a meeting bother me. I took a couple of deep breaths and then thought about where I had last seen or placed my keys. Finally, after stepping back from the problem at hand, I was able to see the solution, and I recalled where they were…sure enough I found my keys.
In the midst of the frustration and worry, I had to take a step back. I had gotten so close to the problem that I couldn’t see the broader perspective or possible solutions. I think we’re all like that – we stand too closely to the problem, when problems arise. We try to micromanage situations and problem-solve and trouble-shoot and sometimes we are successful, but other times we become overwhelmed by the insurmountable tasks ahead of us. So we put our heads down, we plod on through trying to take on the world and address all of our problems and stressors, all the while we are so close to the problem(s) that we have lost the forest for the bark of one tree. 
God has come to me many times when I get like this to remind me to “Be still and know that I am God…” (Ps. 46:10) It is only when I pause and take a step back do I finally understand this. God longs to lead us out of the forest of our worries. He desires for us to seek the long-term perspective: that we are Kingdom people called by Him, and we are called Sons and Daughters! Although these current problems and sufferings might still continue, isn’t it helpful to know that these are all temporary? Yes, we will probably continue to feel suffering, pain, sadness (all of the above), but this will not last, it never does. Stepping back from the tree, we will have a broader perspective and a longer range vision on our future as Kingdom people.
Be encouraged today, joy comes in the morning! Put your whole trust in the Lord, he will give you strength and endurance for the problems at hand, also know that this is all temporary!
Something more to ponder today!
Pastor's Ponderings 
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