When do you turn to God?

“What’s the trick to remembering that I don’t have to wait until I am at rock bottom until I turn to God for help?”—Grace

This is an appropriate question to consider as we reflect on the end of a year and anticipate how we might do things differently in the next! I am sympathetic to your plight—you have raised the issue which weighs on many of us who wish we knew the quick and easy answer.

Rather than evoking pious platitudes, this query calls for thoughts upon which one may ponder. The “trick”, as you say, lies in developing over time a way of seeing and understanding life which will form the context for greeting various tribulations.

Remember, even Jesus indicated that there will always be trials—such is the way of human existence (Jn. 16:33). These assaults on your mind, body and soul, however, are the very stuff out of which grow genuine strength of character and the ability to persevere in your faith until the end (cf. Lk. 21:19; Rom. 5:3-4; James 1:2-4).

Along the way, allow yourself to appreciate more deeply what God has done for you in Christ (a beautiful description of this central New Testament teaching appears in I Pet. 1:3-5). Contemplate the promises of the life to come (Jn. 14:1-4; II Cor. 4:16-18). Continued meditation on these truths leads to the often elusive peace (Phil 4:7) and hope (Rom. 5:5). You may be surprised someday to realize you’ve discovered that (seemingly impossible) capacity to rejoice in the face of difficulties (Mt. 5:12; Acts 5:41; II Cor. 6:4-10; 12:10)!

Take heart. The One who has overcome will enable you to stand as well (Jn. 16:33; Rom. 8:35-39; I Jn. 4:4; 5:1-5; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17; 3:5, 12, 19-21; 21:7). Think on these things.