I just can’t catch a break!

Have you ever experienced a season when you’ve been hit with hard circumstance after hard circumstance? Just when life couldn’t get any worse… WHAM…you get slammed with another challenging situation. You feel as if everything has come crashing down all at once. In these moments, I am reminded of the saying, “when it rains, it pours.”

I’m sure this is how Job felt in the Bible. First a messenger told him his servants were attacked and his oxen and donkeys were stolen. Before that servant finished speaking, another messenger reported that lightning struck his sheep and shepherds, killing them all. Before that servant finished speaking, another messenger reported that a band of raiders carried away his camels and killed more of his servants.

Before that servant finished speaking, another messenger reported that a storm blew down the house of his eldest son, where Job’s children were having a feast, and killed them all. And after losing his wealth and his family, Job’s health declined, leaving horrible sores all over his body. Poor Job experienced a downpour of hardship.

Maybe you can relate to Job. Maybe you’re in a tough situation, and before you’re able to fully wrap your mind around your circumstance, another situation arises, affecting your family, health, finances or job. When will it stop raining? You wonder.

In the midst of my toughest seasons, I often turn to this hymn written by Don Moen:

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me

He will be my guide
Hold me closely to his side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, he will make a way

I hope this hymn reminds you that God walks closely by your side, providing the love and strength you need for each day. When your life comes crashing down, meditate on these five Bible verses:

1. Psalm 68:19 (CEV)
   Praise the Lord, who carries our burdens day after day; he is the God who saves us.
2. Isaiah 43:2 (CEV)
   When you cross deep rivers, I will be with you, and you won’t drown.
3. Psalm 91:1-2 (CEV)
   Live under the protection of God Most High and stay in the shadow of God All-Powerful. Then you will say to the Lord, “You are my fortress, my place of safety; you are my God, and I trust you.”
4. Proverbs 3:5-6 (CEV)
   With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.
5. Psalm 43:5 (CEV)
   Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.