In difficult situations, how do we handle ourselves?
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In the most difficult circumstances of life we always have two options: either we focus on the situation, the problem or difficulty, or we do not focus directly on Christ who will give us comfort and peace in the midst of tribulation.
And indeed I count all things as loss because of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness that is from God through faith; 10 that I might know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the participation of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 if in any way he might come to the resurrection from the dead.
Philippians 3:8-11
The apostle Paul was experienced in handling complex situations, let us simply remember that he spent part of his life in prison but this situation was not an obstacle to diverting his sight from Christ, even though he was imprisoned He finally celebrated the work of Jesus Christ in his life, he continued to be a great instrument in the hands of God from prison, letters like this one have been written from prison.
And likewise you also rejoice and be glad with me.
Philippians 2:18
Setting our sights on things above where Christ is is not something simple, our natural tendency is to pay attention and obsess over what is happening around us, we always try to find solutions on our own and complain about difficulties as well as pain.
Defeat is generally not an option for those who trust in the Lord, this does not mean that we will forget or not live the reality that is happening around us, but even in the midst of the complicated situation that we are experiencing we can choosing to set our sights on God's provision and care for us. God in our guide, our savior and liberator. We as children of God appropriate the promises of God, this produces hope and negative feelings are replaced by faith and hope in the glorious future, all of this produces joy in our lives.
This means that when we live by the word of God, that is: we trust in God's promises, difficulties will not disappear but we will go through them calmly and in peace since we understand that God is in control and care of us, knowing that everything God does is for our good.
It is complex but it is simple at the same time, let us focus not purely on Christ and we will live our circumstances in peace, in this way we can faithfully respond to the call of the apostle Paul:
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4