Keep your spirit up in difficult times … How should we be courageous? – 13 March 2023

As I am writing this, our power is off. I rely on my computer’s battery and look forward to later when the power comes back on. It is the weekend and at this moment, the lack of electricity in our house is not an enormous crisis, fortunately. I just have to leave my laundry and other tasks until a little later. However, this is not the case all the time – on most days, it takes meticulous planning to get everything done, just like most other households.

Earlier in the week, I sent a desperate voice note to a good friend: “How are we supposed to keep our spirits up?” I was tired and despondent. Being a mother of two little boys, she is also at her wit’s end. Like many other people, they are also now looking at how they can better equip themselves at home against loadshedding.

When I read 2 Corinthians 4:8, I could identify with it. But, I actually want to answer and say: “I feel discouraged and negative, not only for me and my loved ones, but also for other people who have to overcome more challenges.”

When I am angry, discouraged and complaining, my husband reminds me that we need to stay strong and keep our spirits up, because getting discouraged is not going to get us anywhere and it certainly isn’t going to solve the problem. So, now I try my best. Does it make me less angry or frustrated? Definitely, not! I do believe there is a difference and we need to remind ourselves and each other of that. After all, in Psalm 46:1-2 we read: “God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and mountains fall into the ocean depths.” (GNT)

I now try to simply do what I can and I try to hold on to the knowledge that God is still in control. I trust in him despite loadshedding challenges. Isn’t that what faith in God is all about? That is why I will try to keep my spirits up every day.

Prayer: Lord, when we feel like there is no way out, help us to remember that you are always ready to help. Make us strong, help us not to get discouraged and give us the necessary insight, so that we will know what to do when things get difficult. Amen