Sometimes we shake our heads because we hear some news that is disturbing. At other times we wring our hands because we do not know what we should do in a certain situation. Sometimes we just throw up our hands and walk away not facing the reality of a situation.

We've all been there at one time or another. Something negative has happened and we have a difficult time handling the situation. The next time you find your self doing any of these, take time to first pray and ask God for help in understanding and enduring the problem at hand. The Bible tells us many times of men who prayed during times of crisis in their lives. Read some of David's Psalms and see how many times he "cried out" to the Lord. See Daniel lifting up his prayers to God while in a lion's den. Hear the prayers that were offered up for Peter when he had been arrested. Men and women of God took time to turn it over to God in prayer when these times came.

The Hebrew writer tells us that we can enter the throne room of God and speak to Him about our needs. Keep in mind that He invites us there. The Hebrew writer stated, "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (NASB). Sadly today, many people forget to do this or do this as a last resort. It should be the first thing we think of and do, not the last.

After praying and turning things over to God, do what you can to help the situation. If all you do is sit and think about how bad it is, you will never move forward or have peace. When you know that you have done everything you can, then you can just wait to see how God will bring positive things from the very thing that you thought was impossible to endure. Sitting and dwelling on things have never helped anyone. But someone says, "Doug, I tried and I do not see any difference. The situation has not gotten any better." When you have tried your best, then when you lay down at night to sleep, you will have no trouble sleeping. If you have left things undone that should have been, you may wake up in the middle of the night thinking about things and not get any rest. You've been there, haven't you?

God's way is best. If we will read his word, He tells us how to handle the situations of life. If we try to do it without Him, we will not succeed.

As we begin the new year, let's be prayers and doers. See if it works.