STORM Shelters (Part 4): Reality—It Can Be Downright Cruel

We are slowly building out our acronym STORMS as we discuss the storms of life. These are just a few things that cause turmoil and disruptions in our lives, emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.

Here’s where we are.

S – Stress

T – Trials

O - Others

R –

M –

S –

Today we will uncover the R. R stands for REALITY. Yes. That’s right. The reality is life is hard. Life is challenging. Life is not always pleasant. Trials and tragedy seem to be hard-wired into our DNA. The REALITY is that bad things are going to happen to the best of us. It doesn’t matter how many guard rails we establish in life, storms are coming—so be ready. Guard rails don’t prevent accidents. They just keep them from spilling over into more dangerous areas.

When we ignore reality, tough times can get much worse. When the bills come in the mail, we simply don’t open them. We just set them aside hoping that the person or place I owe money to will simply forget. Not going to happen!  When I’m told my health is bad and I need to change my lifestyle or eating habits, I can’t ignore this. I must act. Reality has struck.

Þ   Reality: Cars break down. Be ready.

Þ   Reality: We get sick. Be ready.

Þ   Reality: Bills are due each month. Be ready.

Þ   Reality: Not everyone likes you. Be ready and perhaps get over it.

Þ   Reality: Christmas is every December 25th. The holidays should not break us. Be ready.

Þ   Reality: Change is part of life. Be flexible.

Þ   Reality: We are not special. No one owes us anything. Grow up.

Þ   Reality: Money is not a problem. How we think about money is a problem. Stop blaming your boss, the government, or others for your lack of income and financial security.

Þ   Reality: People are fake. So are we. Move on.

Þ   Reality: Our biggest enemy is between our ears. Change our way of thinking.

Þ   Reality: We can’t force people to change or care. Stop forcing it. The only person you can control is you. Focus on changing you, not everyone else.

When we begin to live and focus on what we can control and not what we can’t control, many of life’s storms will pass on by. How many storms are we creating or making worse because we refuse to live in reality.

Learning to accept the harsh realities of life is critical to not landing ourselves in more trouble than we are already facing. We are lying to ourselves when we believe life should be easy, there should be no pain, and everyone should just get along. We are courting disaster with these beliefs.

Jesus said in John 16:33 that it should come as no surprise that we are going to have problems in this world.

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

If you want relief from the harsh realities of life, then Jesus says He offers the peace you are looking for. We will not overcome this world without the Creator or this world.