Life certainly has its ups and downs, and learning to cope and manage problems is key. While some events, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a job, can be hugely stressful, there are also daily problems to be faced. For example, it can be tough to manage your reactions to rude behavior by other drivers during your morning commute, only to get to work to find your boss taking out frustrations on you. Then there are problems like being too fretful or too forgetful, or not managing finances well. Getting along with each other has its own sets of challenges.

How is one to manage problems in a complex world? There are countless self-help books and TV programs that address problem management. There are also therapists as an option. Some people are experts at denying their problems.

Christians, however, seek first to manage their problems through their faith. They strive to surrender self-will to God's will and to turn to Him for guidance. Christians practice certain disciplines to achieve this state of surrender, including prayer and meditation, Bible study and counsel from fellow Christians.

Prayer and meditation

Christians engage in conversations with God through prayer and meditation. They can express to God what weighs heavily on their hearts and minds, seek forgiveness for sins and become open for God's nudges and direction. Many Christians start their day in prayer, but their goal should be ongoing prayer, and turning to God throughout the day. Key to effective prayer is realizing that God does answer prayers, but in His time and His way. Problems are best dealt with when praying honestly and with patience.

Bible study

Christians believe that the Bible is the Word of God. Through disciplined and consistent Bible study, believers will find stories about others who have faced challenges and how God helped them overcome problems. The Bible also provides guidance from God on ways of living that are good in His eyes and can lead to the avoidance of many problems. It's important to stay in the Word on a regular basis, and not just when facing a tough situation. This connects a Christian to God and strengthens a spiritual armor for the Christian when tough times occur. The Bible also speaks to suffering and its role in the life of a Christian. This very important topic can provide comfort to someone who is struggling.

Counsel from fellow Christians

In conjunction with prayer and Bible reading, people of faith can turn to trusted fellow Christians, such as a pastor or church friend, to seek guidance. God often speaks through others, and in this way, Christians can work together to persevere. It is important to recognize that true Christians realize that they need God because they are human, and thus prone to sinful thoughts and actions that are part of human nature. Jesus came for the sick, and Christians today need Him in just the same way.

These are a few of the ways that Christians seek God's will for them, both when facing problems and when living life. While life's hardships can be overwhelming, Christians who have a solid foundation in Christ often seem to cope much better than those who do not, as evidenced by countless testimonies of Christians. Perhaps the key for followers of Christ is that they realize that any hardships endured on this earth, while often devastating and terrible, are only temporary, when compared to eternal life after death.
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