Some Problems You Can Fix While Others You Can’t

Psalm 25:16, 17 – Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.

There are problems all around us. Some are truly big, but most are pretty small in comparison with what other people are going through.
 
Small things:

• Bills to pay (unless you’ve lost your job and have no money in the bank).
• Getting the kids to school on time when running late on some mornings because of your job schedule.
• Your neighbor’s barking dog keeps you up all night.

 
But then there are big things:

• Your spouse died and you’re having a hard time moving on.
• A blood test exposed cancer.
• You found out you have a chronic pain condition you’ll have to live with the rest of your life.

 
There are problems all around us. They’re just part of life, and they can become less difficult if we take one step at a time to either:
 
Fix the problem, get used to the problem, or believe the problem can turn into something good.
 
Let’s start with small problems and trying to fix the problem:

• The payments on the bills you’re behind can be worked out with your creditors. Perhaps with the explanation that you lost your job, but you’ve signed up with an employment agency that believes you have the skills for the jobs they have. This may temporarily hold back your creditors from taking actions against you.
• Getting the kids to school on time when running late can be solved by setting your alarm clock to go off a half hour earlier, or you can lay out your children’s clothes for the morning, have their lunch packed and have their back packs ready the night before.
• The problem with your neighbor’s barking dog might be solved by having a talk with your neighbor, or by using earplugs.

 
The next step is getting used to the problem:

• You can adjust to a change in lifestyle if your new job pays less than what your last one did.
• You can realize there are days you may be a few minutes late and send the kids with a note explaining your situation to their school.
• Eventually whether it is with the use of earplugs or not, you can get used to your neighbor’s dog barking.

 
Lastly, there are times when your problem turns into something good:

• Your new lifestyle helps you and your family learn how to appreciate what you have and not for what you don’t have.
• By alerting your child’s school that there are times you will be late can turn into a discussion with the principal. The principal may be able to help you figure out things you can do that may help your child’s tardiness.
• And that dog that keeps barking all night, perhaps that trip over to your neighbor’s can make a difference. You’ll be able to explain in person that their dog keeps you up and it’s rough to find time for sleep due to your work schedule. This discussion can reveal that your neighbor’s job keeps him away from home a lot, and the dog is there for protection. Handled correctly, this discussion may turn into a new friendship.

 
But I need to hold my hands up and say, “Stop!”
 
Remember the list of things that are big problems? Most of the time there are no easy fixes for them.
 
You can’t fix the death of a loved one, get used to having lung cancer or the pain caused by a chronic health condition. However, though it may be hard to grab a hold of, something good can come from your big problems:

• There may be a deepening of relationships as your friends and family are called upon to take you to doctor and treatment appointments.
• It may call for others to pick up some of your household chores and bring you meals. This, too, can deepen friendships as they show you in action, and not just in words, that they truly care about you and are there when you need them.

 
Let’s take a look at the article, “7 Ways to Keep Your Relationship Strong Despite a Chronic Illness,” on webmd.com. Even though this article discusses marital relationships, it can be applied to other relationships as well. Some of their suggestions include easing stressful emotions like anxiety by identifying the root of the problem and prizing each other.
 
Finally, though at times trying to live with problems, especially those of a critical nature you may feel alone, you aren’t. There is someone who sees your afflictions and will free you from your anguish. God knows that the troubles of your heart are multiplying. He’s ready to hold you and tell you he loves you. He can help you with the small and big problems that you’re facing.

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