Everyone comes to a point in life when their efforts seem worthless and they want to give up. When life gets tough, here are 7 reasons why you should keep going.
The troubles of this world (money, marriage, singleness, friends, work, loneliness, pregnancy loss, big decisions, incessant health issues, children’s behavior and more) can be so overwhelming, and that’s an understatement. Sometimes, I want to shut it all down, too. If only we could put life on hold for a day or two or 20 years.
If you are feeling low right now and need a pick-me-up, I wrote this blog post for you and me. The good thing about hitting rock bottom, is that there is only one way to go from there—up. However, when it’s dark, it’s hard to know what to do next. So oftentimes, we just stall. We do nothing. Or, worst, we get upset at people, or scroll on Facebook mindlessly for hours. Taking a break is a good idea for a short period of time, but taking a break for a lifetime? You’re better than that; you have to keep shining.
Let’s explore some options you can take when life gets tough, and you don’t know what your next move should be. Sometimes we need clear options presented to us when our emotions and thoughts leave us crippled. I want to share 7 things you can do before you give up. I’m in the throes with you. Choose one of these and let’s keep pushing together.
If you know anything about me, you know I’m going to ask Have You Prayed? Because the truth is…
There’s Always a Solution to Your Problem
Notice I said a solution to your problem and not “solutions”. Whatever your problem is, there may be different avenues you can take but there is only one wise solution. I define wisdom as the best, moral answer to YOUR problem. It takes into account your strengths and abilities, your time, the people in your life, and everything else involved in your unique situation.
God has provided you with everything you need to keep moving forward in life, including the tool of prayer to discover his best for you. He has not left you to your own devices to be bullied and trampled on by the circumstances of life.
There’s ALWAYS a way out of your problems. You are not stuck in your situation forever; you have power, and you have weapons. One of those weapons is prayer. Get on your knees. It’s so simple—it can be done anywhere, anytime—but sometimes we forget that. Start out by saying something like this: “God I feel sad and I want to give up. I don’t know what to do right now, please help me.” Speak your problems out of your head and into God’s ear.
Seek Wisdom
Wisdom is never far away, and His wisdom is only pure. Tell God to reveal wisdom to you, and He gladly will.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Another way to seek wisdom is through the Word of God. Sometimes, when I am feeling “out of it” it’s because I have moved away from reading the Bible daily. If you’ve never read the Bible, you’re missing out. I recommend starting in the New Testament or if you are looking for a specific scripture, use Google to search keywords and find scriptures quickly.
Look How Far Others Have Made It
You are not the only one with issues and you are not the only one jumping over hurdles every day. There are many of us struggling and winning at the same time, just like you. You were made to endure and make it in life. Instead of giving up, be a part of the women and men who are preserving in the face of adversity. Let this be a source of encouragement for you- you are not alone. Please do not give up.
So many people are living in a “given up” state of mind. This is an option for you too; you can totally give up if you want to. Or… you can do the harder thing and keep going. It will take courageous action, but I promise your striving will not be in vain.
Lately, I have been enjoying observing people older than myself who have been saved for 20+ years and are still excited about Jesus. It makes me so happy because it means I can do it too. We just need to take it one day, one baby step at a time, and before we know it, we will be old and proudly looking back at all we’ve made it through.
If You Give Up Now, What Will Your Future Look Like?
Harriet Tubman led about 70 slaves to freedom. Think about that: managing, inspiring, and changing the lies of so many families in an oppressive and small-thinking era is huge! I can’t begin to imagine how tough, not to mention, risky, that was for her. But if we could ask her, she would say it was all worth it. She gave people a brand-new life by helping them to think higher when they wanted to give up. You and I are like Harriet Tubman—people are watching us and they need us. No pressure but other people’s freedom is depending on your willingness to persevere.
Yes, we fall, make bad decisions, and cry a lot but if we do give up, how satisfied will we be in the future? Will we be proud, will we be stronger, wiser, richer? Likely not. I’m so glad Harriet Tubman didn’t give up; over 100 years later, the world is still talking about her.
For 8 years, she endured to help others and their family, if she gave up on year two because it would take too long or be too hard, you may have never heard of her. Keep going.
Always Remember Keep Your Goals in Mind
What kept Harriett Tubman going? It was her vision, her inner-knowing, her Christ-purpose to help others. Do you know your purpose? I sorta, kinda know mine. It may not be specific, but at the very least, I know there is more in store for me. And that keeps me going when I am at my lowest. They say a goal is just a dream, if you do not write it down. So I have an activity for you: Write your vision down where you can clearly see it. What are you living for? Are you actively working towards your goals? What exactly do you want to accomplish or be known for? Write it down in a journal, on a vison board, or place a note on your fridge. It serves as a reminder on the days you really want to give up.
Taking a Break Does Not Mean Giving Up
I have taken breaks from my blog and the Worthy Without A Ring’s Instagram page a few times. Sometimes it’s for 2 weeks and, after I had a baby, I took a few months off. I needed those breaks and I tried my best to not feel guilty for being off the scene. If you have a health issue that wears on you mentally, take a break. Remove yourself for a little while to breathe and figure out how you want to move forward. I always recommend taking breaks from social media, unless you’re granting yourself a few minutes to unwind.
And it’s important to know, It’s ok to just exist. You don’t have to constantly be working on the latest project. Your worth is not in business. Resting and just “being” is your portion as a human, too. Enjoy all the things that God has provided—friends, the trees, the sky, money, books, art, social media, music. He has placed many things in our lives for enjoyment. With a pure heart, sinless hands, and clear eyes, JUST BE.
Whatever You do, Do Not Give Up on God
I thought this before, “maybe I’ll lay off God for a couple days”. Once, I was upset with God because my husband and I were still not pregnant after 2 years of praying and trying. I didn’t even go a full 2 hours before feeling God right on my heels. He didn’t want me to leave. You can take a break from the world but never stop praying and believing.
Even if you are disappointed, stay with God. His thoughts and His ways are higher than ours. He sees your beginning, your end and everything in-between. Drinking, depression, and friends will not serve you the way He can. Even when I go on vacations, I say, “I am not going on vacation from You”.
I still pray and seek God for all of my assignments and what He needs me to do, no matter where I am. Remember, your faith is never in vain; it’s the only true thing that can sustain you, even when everything else fails you.
Just keep praying. Some weeks you’ll spend a lot of time with God, other times all you can get out is a Hallelujah. But you need God at all times, that’s where wisdom comes from.
My final words for us are this: I need you, you need me. The only efforts that are worthless are those we don’t commit to God. He sees you and He promise a reward for anyone who endures and suffers long. Everything is for our good, His Glory. Take one more step today, just don’t give up.
Hebrews 10:35-36 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
You are worthy with or without a wedding ring,
Shawandie