I don't have time for nuance. What I am about to say is obviously not always true, but here goes.
Sometimes, friends, when you're suffering, it's your fault.
It might be that you're struggling with unforgiveness. It might be that you are quick to anger. It might be that you are gripped with all manner of irrational fears. Maybe all of those things are a problem for you. All of it is sin, and if you think that can't take a physical toll on your life, let me tell you from experience, it can. It will. It does. Ask me how I know.
If you find yourself in a pit, for whatever reason, cry out to Jesus. Ask Him to help you with whatever sin you're struggling with. Repent.
Maybe God allowed you to climb straight down into that pit because you thought your way was better. He showed you how much you need Him.
Don't let prayer be your last resort. Do it without ceasing. About everything. You don't need a prayer closet (even though that's awesome and go for it!). Please, please, cast your cares on Him because He cares for you! When you're driving, when you're sad, when you receive amazing news, when you're loading the dishwasher for the fourth time in a day, when you're late to pick your kid up from practice, when you see an emergency vehicle, when you get a free beverage at the drive-thru, when your imagination runs wild, when you don't know what to do, when you're so angry you're seeing red. Pray! And watch your life and your outlook be transformed. Only God can renew your mind in this way. It's a gift. A beautiful one.
Thank you, Lord, for the hard lessons you graciously allowed me to learn in 2023. May my gaze be all the more transfixed on you in 2024.
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