It is hard staying on the “righteous path.” We have one of those “God moments” where our hearts are so full of Him that we feel like we’re about to burst and on the edge of heaven already! It’s an amazing feeling; but its usually fleeting. We get caught up in the things of everyday life. Going to school, work, grocery store, repair shop, recitals and practices, etcetera. All those things stem into different things like worry about deadlines. We also get caught up in the dramas of life. A partner cheats, a kid breaks their leg, a paycheck got docked and bills went unpaid.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..” -Isaiah 41:10

We forget that God is with us, making sure we’ll be okay. Sometimes we even blame Him for our transgressions. We cry and scream and fight Him, asking why He’d let us get so deep into our troubles. It is hard for us to realize that it is not His fault we are suffering; nor most of the time ours either. Remember that God doesn’t want us to suffer. We are his children, and a part of him and when we hurt so does He.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23

Stay strong in the Lord. Do not let your sufferings cloud your feelings towards Him. Instead of asking why He lets you suffer, ask Him to help you get out of your sufferings. He does not “let” any of us suffer, because He loves us; but the wicked are cruel and are allowed their choices as are we. Take the path to glory, though it is a hard road to travel. The outcome will be all the better. And keep in mind that tomorrow is always a better day. Even if you’re still suffering then it just means you’re one more day closer to happiness!

It seems easy, stepping into the pool of water where believers are baptized. Or saying the Lord’s prayer, accepting Him into your heart. It becomes a trial when we realize that even though we’ve accepted His eternal love, we will suffer. We are told beforehand, but it really doesn’t seem plausible until we get sideswiped with some kind of catastrophe.

Sometimes it is really hard for us to realize that following the righteous path is not easy. It is a part of true faith – continuing to believe through every trial that crosses your path. God is our stronghold, though. We are never alone in our troubles, even when we don’t take the time to call on His name.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Psalm 3:5,6

We need a little help, and God is our best shot at getting it. Of course, He’ll put people in our paths sometimes as a physical representation of help, but other times He’ll give the strength to endure on your own. If we trust Him we will be guided; never alone for a second and continually held up by strong hands. Even when we feel incomplete and utterly weak.

The best choice when struggling and in need of help is to cry out to God. Either physically which sometimes relieves stress, or quietly. Prayer is always available throughout the day. Whether you are walking down the hall to ordering food in the drive thru, you can always pray and God will always hear you. Though sometimes the best prayer is when you are surrounded by silence and able to control your thoughts and actions is usually best so you can focus fully on Him, He does not require it.

God never takes what you say with a “grain of salt.” Your words are just as powerful as any human being. You will be heard, and loudly.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” – Jeremiah 17:7

Confide and trust in the Lord, for He is strong and unconditionally loving. He will hear your plea and give you what help He knows is necessary. Sometimes it seems that we are not heard because we are left to do everything ourselves; but it is the will to do it and get it done that He has given us. After all, what kind of Father would He be if He did everything for us? Children have to learn how to do some things on their own. He is our guide and help when needed!