Life happens, and sometimes things go belly-up. How do we handle unforeseen, upsetting situations? Even the most gorgeous models in the world look like a train wreck when they get the flu. Robust athletes crumble in a heap on the playing field when they tear a ligament or break a bone. Experiencing sickness and hardship sobers up even the most chipper, unicorns-and-rainbows personality, and when the hardship continues indefinitely, it is difficult to recover the beauty and joy once known.
Often there appears to be no easy fix to life’s upsets. The lovely community of Paradise, California suffered devastation and destruction after raging fires all but consumed the peaceful town in 2018. Some residents are rebuilding, but the recovery is slow, at best. War, natural disaster, famine, disease—there is no place on the planet immune from these enemies.
There is a Person to run to when life goes belly-up, though. There is a hiding place to escape into. When physical or emotional devastation rips the rug out from under you, run to Jesus. He said, in Matthew 11:28, Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. King David knew where to escape when life went belly-up. He wrote, in Psalm 119:114 (NJKV), You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word.
It’s as easy as 1-2-3. Run into the arms of Jesus and give Him your belly-up situation, no matter how messy or frightening it is. He will rescue you! I will strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10).
© 2020, Chris Werre