I Look to You

Some days are harder than others. The memories come flooding back of happier days and loved ones that are no longer present with us on earth. Nothing goes the way you want or plan. You're late to work. You wake up late. You get frustrated and angry over the littlest things. Your finances are out of control. The car has a flat. You don't want to talk it out to anyone. No one could understand. You're hurt. You're angry. You're grieving. You're sad. You just aren't happy. You're trudging through the day, and it's rough. Some days, there's no answer to why you're having a 'bad day'. You just are. Things just aren't right. Nothing you do seems to be right. You can't lose that weight. You can't finish what you started. And those failures? They're daunting! They stare you in the face and they're always there. You didn't meet your goal. You weren't even close. You were almost there. It doesn't matter - you failed. Your co-workers are grinding on your nerves. Your friends are no where to be found. You feel alone. Lost. Scared.
Everyone experiences hardship and pain. It's a natural part of life. I've had my share of downs in this life, and I'm a stronger person because of it. I've learned {the hard way I think} that what makes you a better person is how you react to the troubles of life. Am I going to drown in my sorrow and feel sorry for myself day in and day out? Who cares anyway? Am I going to allow my unhappiness to get the better of me and bring me down further? 
Today, the answer is no. Let me just say that again: NO. Man, that feels good! There was a day {or two, or ten...who's counting?} that I would've said yes. That it didn't matter how I reacted - I could feel sorry for myself if that's what I truly wanted. Of course I had family and friends that did care about me {and still do...love y'all!}, but there's only so much someone else can do for you. After all, they have their own struggles to sort through and figure out. And on those days, I was truly miserable. I didn't want to do anything but lay in bed and watch TV. Those fictional characters were my way to ignore the pain and the hurt in my own life.
So, what do you do when there's no one there and you refuse to drown in sadness and pain? 
I turn to God. 
My faith has been blossoming over this past year or so, and I couldn't be happier! I know that I have a way to go, but I'm on the right track, and that's what matters most! 

Now, when I'm having a not-so-good day, I remind myself that I am unbelievably blessed. I have a healthy marriage with my best friend; I have the most amazing family who always supports me and gets closer and stronger every day; we can afford to pay our expenses; I not only have one job, I have two. The list seriously goes on and on. God has truly blessed me with so much, and I know that I am undeserving, but I'm unbelievably thankful. 
And today, when I feel defeated and lost, I look to God. I look to Him for support, encouragement, motivation, and healing. He has a plan for my life, and I look to Him for guidance through the dark moments along the way. 
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."  -John 16:33 
God didn't promise us that life would be easy, but he promised that our suffering would pale in comparison to what He has in store for His followers. 
And then I came across a song: I Look to You by Selah. 

It speaks straight to my heart, and I just wanted to share :). I'm striving to truly let go and let God. He has all of the answers, and that truly makes my heart soar.