We are living in particularly stressful times. It might not be quite as bad as it was for the Londoners while the Nazis were bombing their city, but it is tough. We see unrest and discord everywhere. We are facing a medical crisis that hasn’t been resolved. We are struggling with cultural and racial divides.

Our movements are restricted. Our patterns have been upset. Our schedules are jumbled. Our work world is muddled. It would be easy to join Chicken Little outside and chant with him, “The sky is falling.”

With all that discord in mind, you may be feeling a bit out of sorts. Your equilibrium may be off center and with that comes tons of stress.

Even as dedicated followers of Christ, many of us are particularly emotionally and spiritually challenged right now. So, what do we do?

My suggestion for this week is to be patient with the person in the mirror. Cut yourself some slack. Be reasonable with your expectations. Recognize that things aren’t “alright” and draw some comfort from the fact that God has given us a clear roadmap for times just like this.

Go take a moment and read I Kings 19 .The prophet Elijah is having a “moment of despair.” Pay particular attention to how God deals with Elijah after he declares, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” (Translated, Elijah was saying, “I have had it! Enough already!”-sounds kind of like us, huh?)

Notice the steps God took to help restore the joy to Elijah’s life. He provided physical rest (lots of sleep). He made sure he had good, nourishing  things to eat. He measured out the tasks so there were some comfort margins (God gave him 40 days to complete a trip that should take 10 days). And He reminded him of His own presence.

So next time you find yourself bending under the burden of our current circumstances, stop and cut yourself some slack. Make sure you are resting and eating well. Review your calendar and make sure your things to do list is reasonable.

And be patient with you. Just like He did with Elijah, God intends to make His presence known to you (He will “pass by”). He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He is a ready help, no matter the conditions.

“They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place, He rescued me because He delighted in me. “ Ps. 18:18-19