What to Do When You Don't Know What to Do
Caught in the juggernaut of life, knowing that something needs to be done, but not knowing what to do, what is the practical course of action?
In 1928 when the stock market crashed many people reacted foolishly. Some took their own lives.
More recently with the economic downturn folks did foolish things. In Germany a man worth $10,000,000,000 suddenly discovered he was only worth $400,000,000 million. He was so distressed he lay down on a railroad track for the next train.
I do not know of persons who have been as fatalistic as the billionaire. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that the tension of our times is having its effect. The number of persons negatively reacting to societal circumstances is growing.
Manifestations of deviant social behavior are many and varied. While there are those who do extreme things, folks more commonly tend to momentary extremes, or there is a tendency to develop patterns of esoteric behavior. Weaknesses of character may be become more pronounced.
A person with a tendency to anger may in good times be quite controlled. In bad times the anger returns with a vengeance. A person with a tendency to cry may in difficult times find crying to be so obsessive that it is difficult not to cry.
A stingy person may in times of difficulty may become so frugal as to do without food to save money.
Folks caught in life's challenges without a plan are most likely to act before thinking---that is, act foolishly before thinking wisely. Good relationships may be sacrificed on a whim. Wise counsel may be forfeited because of stubborn pride. Folks may trade out their spouse, a friend, or even their church because of their own restlessness---only later to realize the awful loss.
What should be done in a difficult time? Do the basic. Do the normal necessary things of life.
If there are projects that have been deferred, projects that are important, projects that need to be done, but projects that do not require money or protracted investment of time...do such projects. Cleaning a closet, painting a room, re-arranging furniture, ordering tools in a workshop, and waxing a car are fairly mindless tasks.
I have heard folks call some tasks "brain dead" projects. No creativity. No timeline. Just do. Yet in the doing there is activity. There is a sense of progress. There is a sense of order. Frustration is exchanged for visible results that offer encouragement.
Those tasks, duties, or projects that have been part of the order of life cannot be neglected in time of crisis. If ever a person has been neat and tidy with hygiene, in crisis times hygiene and "dressing for success" is more important. Hair done well. Fingernails trimmed. Shoes shined. Feelings in discouraging times suggest carelessness, but prudence suggests diligence.
Keep the home neat. Bed made up in the morning. Dishes washed. Clothes hung up. Yard clean. Get rid of clutter.
Eliminate items/possessions that complicate life. Especially empty life of objects and pictures that are associated with past failed relationships or crisis moments that only serve to keep alive bad memories.
One more practical tip. In difficult times invest in learning. Take advantage of opportunities to improve your talents and skills. Medical science has now established that dementia can be slowed and abated by mental exercises that keep the brain thinking. The same principle is true for our spiritual person. [Remember that this Saturday 8:30-2:15 there is a learning opportunity at Covenant Church. Please call and sign up 434-973-5535. If you call, lunch is provided.]
Above all, keep the faith. Steady. Do not jump ship. Do not get into differences of opinions if such can possibly be avoided. Remember that when you "Don't know what to do," the tendency is to invent or react. The tendency is to de-value, which tendency may result in de-valuing that which is most precious.
When in the trough of discouraging times, the tendency is to take out frustrations on those with whom you feel the most safe. You can be mad at the "boss," and kick the dog or speak harshly to your spouse, children or friends.
Satan waits a long time to catch us in difficult moments. I have known people who conquered demons many years ago only to allow the demon to return and take up residence again in a crisis time. Satan is patient. He will lose lots of battles waiting for a coup d'etat. He wants the jugular. He wants a person to "crash and burn" in the exit door of life.
I say again, "When You Do Not Know What to Do, DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO." Buckle up. Batten down the hatches. Drop the anchor. Face into the storm. Turn the engines to full speed with prayer, humility, reading the Bible, and staying in the Family of God. Practice grace and mercy.
God will always come through. The sun will shine.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Bare
"The lazy man says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets" (Proverbs 22:13)!