“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (NIV)
Occasionally I’ll visit a social media website built on people asking questions. Although you have a sign-on name. there are no profiles that provide accountability. This lends itself to transparent questions. But, of course, with no accountability it also opens the door to people who have a completely different agenda as compared to the genuine question from someone who sincerely wants advice or a helping hand.
I look for the questions people have about giving up, who express no hope, feel lost, etc. It’s not hard to find them as these types of questions saturate this website. Once people see that you will answer a specific type of question, you get more of the same from people all over the world.
On one hand it seems strange to me that with all the options, choices, and scope of reach we have today, how is it that we are unable to find a worthwhile job, hobby, passion, or practice that is fulfilling? On the other hand, I suppose the vast array of options, choices, and scope of reach we have today are overwhelming and could create a vacuum that also sucks up our individuality.
Maybe it’s not a question of being overloaded with options. Maybe it stems from life in general. At times we experience some pretty severe learning curves. People can lie, they reject us, and they’re hard to please.
There are the times when death hits close to home, and that event alone can be paralyzing. Sometimes those life changing events are hard to come back from. It’s easy to lose your way when you’re overwhelmed with sadness. Grief causes confusion and a numbness in which you forget how to function beyond what is required of you in a normal day. This reason is primarily why I look for those specific questions.
Recently, the question I answered (and then later responded to several similar ones) was based on giving up on people or situations. When do you know you need to give up? When should you give up on a person? What is a reason that would make you give up? How many chances do you give someone before you give up? I hate my job—do I just give up?
Each time I asked the person to define give up. I felt it important for them to define what they meant by those words. How else would they be able to define their deal breakers and know when they needed to close the door on the relationship/situation?
I received this question: What has caused you to give up on a family member? I answered saying that I define giving up on someone as completely severing all relationship with them. I shared that I have never given up on a family member but admitted that I sometimes have to love from a distance.
Another question that breaks my heart talks about giving up on life. I have nothing left; should I give up? There’s no reason for me to live; is it time to give up? Life is hard; I want to give up—should I?
It’s tough to read that people feel life has nothing to offer and their solution is to check out, which I understand to mean they want to take their own lives. That old saying, “It’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem” is true, but it seems too cliché to make a difference when someone is at that point.
I want them to grab hold of something as soon as possible, something small yet significant. I encourage them to look around—there will always be people who have more than you and people who have less. I share with them that there are people and animals who could use a helping hand, human touch, or a kind word. Those small acts of service are a lifeline to hungry hearts.
The one who shares such kindness is encouraged to see the difference a small gesture can make, and the one receiving feels a connection with another human heart. When they realize someone sees and hears them, they realize they matter. Taking the time to extend ourselves to another living being has the power to change the direction of our lives and the lives of others. What better reason not to give up!
We have been given five senses and many emotions so it’s not sinful to feel and respond to them, but we must never let them rule us. And that’s tough when connected to other people who have the same free choice as we do. As living beings, we will all have times when we feel as though we’ve lost our way or what we thought we knew about life does not seem to make sense anymore.
In the storms of life there is One to whom we can anchor ourselves. Steadfast and calm through all of life’s twists and turns, He is and will always be more than a resource—He is the Source. The Word says He is the Bread of Life.
His wisdom sustains us and feeds us beyond our physical needs. His knowledge equips us to handle everyday life. His discernment protects us. His understanding gives us grace and teaches us to extend grace. His revelation transforms our lives and His truth sets us free from the definitions and expectations of this world.
And, most importantly, when life comes at us hard and leaves us without the ability to verbalize the pain, He stays by our side. He’s patient with us, and He gently leads us toward healing and restoration when we’re ready. If we will take His hand, He’ll never let our pain define us. He will have the the last say-so and it will be good.
NOW LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
Self-reflection
These questions are in no way a substitute for healthcare professionals or any level of professional counseling. I’m an advocate for taking care of oneself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. These questions reflect my heart, NOT my profession.
This questionnaire is an opportunity to journal your thoughts and feelings. It can serve as a launching pad on which to evaluate your heart condition as you understand it. My hope is that you will take the truths you discover about yourself and hold them up to the Light to evaluate them against who God says you are.
A Biblical covering means that you in a covenant relationship where you are protected, forgiven and provided for. In short, you are valued and respected.
- Do you feel that you have a covering in your life?
- What does that covering look like?
- Do you need that covering to look different than it does now? If so how?
- Do you think it is important to have a covering? Why or why not?
- Are you receiving the covering you need in your current relationship status?
- In what ways can God be your covering?
Use God’s word to take control over traumas in your life. Whenever you feel terrorized by your thoughts, take them captive by replacing them with the truth of God’s promises found in His word.
Print, then cut and carry this Scripture with you and/or post it in places where you will see it often. Ground yourself in God’s truths not Satan’s attacks. Encourage your heart and mind every time you are reminded of His great love for YOU!
Here is what God’s word says to encourage you and to give you an example of His unfailing, relentless, unending love for you:
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35 (NIV)
When you read God’s Word say to yourself: There is a hunger beyond my stomach and a thirst beyond my mouth. To know Jesus is to receive sustenance that exceeds human needs. What He offers is capable of calming me, gives me wisdom, power, love and self discipline so that I can order my life in a healthy/life giving way.
Now LIVE LOVED and THRIVE!
