I normally sit down to write this article on a Sunday night after observing, thinking, and praying for several days. I typically have a general idea early in the weekend and finalize on Sunday night.
This week, however, has been very different.
The ups and downs of life have become very real this week. The simple joy of seeing grandkids enjoy a simple backyard water hose spray and hear the excitement from your young adult daughter with great news is awesome. However, my heart aches for those battling health issues and the myriads of issues around job loss.
So how do we navigate the ups and downs of life?
The best approach I have found is a progression of a few Bible verses that provide some great insight. Whether you are a Bible reader or not, I think you may find this mindset focus helpful.
Purpose – Matthew 5:16 talks about letting your “light” shine before others so they can see those good works and see what God is doing through your life. With the ups and downs of life, it’s important to live a purposeful life. You choose the purpose, but the key is intentional focus.
Purpose provides meaning when the reason becomes cloudy. It provides direction when the path is uncertain. It provides motivation when the drive dissipates. Purpose can be the fuel to keep you going in tough times.
Plan – Luke 14:28-30 talks about needing to plan to ensure one makes wise choices to avoid the consequences of hasty decisions that were not well thought out. While much of life is outside of our control, it is important to focus on what we do control.
Planning, budgeting, and stewarding are all elements of living wisely. We can avoid unnecessary difficulties and avoid some of those “downs” in life by practicing these wise practices. Control what you can control through intentional planning.
Perspective – Luke 12:16-21 talks about a rich foolish man who experienced great financial success and became so engrossed in that success that he sought to focus solely on that success as he pursued a comfortable, self-absorbed life. It didn’t end well.
Perspective is so key to the “ups” as well as the “downs” of life. Success should drive us to continue striving, serving, seeking, and sharing. Striving to work hard, serving others, seeking to have impact beyond the income, and sharing with those in need.
Power – Ephesians 3:20 talks about not relying on our ability or strength, but rather on God to work through us with his power. There will be times in life that we need support. That support can come from others in addition to those relying on faith.
The power to navigate through difficult circumstances is something that we will all need at some point in life. At some point, the challenges will be larger than our ability, and we will need to draw strength from outside ourselves. Make the investment today to have access when needed!
Persistence – Philippians 3:13-14 talks about the need to forget the past, strain forward to what lies ahead, and press on toward the goal. In tough times, it’s key to just keep “showing up”. Just keep taking the next step.
Persistence keeps us in the game. Persistence doesn’t need immediate answers, but rather requires hope, commitment, and belief. Persistence keeps us moving forward when nothing makes sense, the future is uncertain, and the outlook is negative.
I don’t know about you, but life can be hard. It’s full of ups and downs. However, we can navigate more effectively if we follow the 5 P’s:
- Purpose – Identify your why
- Plan – Control what you can control
- Perspective – Seek hard over comfort and always focus on others
- Power – Life wasn’t meant to be lived alone; seek and receive support
- Persistence – Just keep showing up – showing up matters
Doug equips leaders to make organizations better. He has two leadership books available on all online platforms. Whether you are looking for a speaker for your next event or a leadership coach to develop people and build an authentic team, contact Doug at doug.strickel@gmail.com and learn more about PLUS.
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