Our life in this world is filled with problems. We face daily challenges and struggles.
And it really doesn't matter where we go, these troubles and hardships confront us
causing us to have fear and anxiety.
There are even times when problems become so severe that others feel helpless and miserable.
Well, in the face of such problems, it is but natural for people to seek for
a solution.
In a life that is full of hardships, distress and pressures,
many people look to things upon which they can depend. Take parents, for example.
There's a constant demand to meet not only the material needs of themselves and their children,
but also to provide for them a good education.
Furthermore, not sparing anybody, the rapid pace of modern day life has caused a myriad of health problems
and with the corresponding increase in the cost of medical treatment
it is only natural for people to find ways to cope.
To overcome or to at least deal with the pressures of life,
some dedicate themselves to a physical regiment. Others pursue hobbies
while others are content in taking vacations whenever the opportunity arises.
Tragically some, especially the youth in society, resort to more extreme measures of dealing with intense demands
by resorting to using drugs and alcohol,
and in many cases, abusing them.
Users may claim that these substances give them a sense of elation and contentment
at least while under the influence.
But is this true?
In an online article published by KidsHealth.org, they said:
So, the negative results of alcohol and drug abuse
far outweigh the satisfaction, if any, that one may get as evidence than the following excerpt:
It is also a well known fact that drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol
is one of the major causes of vehicular accidents that can lead to death or permanent physical and mental damage
not only on the part of the one under such influence,
but also on the part of the innocent motorist and pedestrians.
Clearly, using or abusing illegal substances is not the proper way of dealing with the pressures of life.
So, what is?
Listen to what the Bible says as we go here to Psalms 119, we read:
According to the Bible, one can alleviate pressures in life
by obeying God's commands.
What should we realize regarding this statement of King David?
Pressures and stress are nothing new.
They have been a problem for ages as depicted in this statement of David.
But we should also point out that it was not necessarily the pressures he faced,
but how he dealt with them that is important here.
How did he overcome such problems and pressures he faced?
It wasn't by finding joy in alcohol or drugs, but by finding joy in God's commands.
Focusing on God's commands is a sure way then to overcome such kinds of life's problems
because, through obeying them, one may live.
God's commands and obedience to them
would never be detrimental to us like drugs or alcohol
but would help us to achieve our goals because God's laws are fair.
One may be thinking,
"Alcohol or beer, for example, wasn't as readily available as it is today
which would explain one's effort to lean more on God's commands."
But what real life event occurred that shows a servant of God who relied on God
and not on alcohol to relieve her worries?
Let's read here in I Samuel 1:9-18 and 20, this is written:
Hannah, an early servant of God, was beset with troubles and pains which caused her to weep constantly.
And, though thought to be drunk with wine or beer,
approached God in prayer to help alleviate her worries in wanting a son.
Hannah serves as a great example for us in that
although she had accessibility to wine, beer or intoxicating drinks,
she did not rely on these to help relieve her worries.
Rather, she relied on God's power through prayer to ask the Lord of what she desired and wanted most.
And in the end, God granted her request by giving her a son whom she named Samuel.
It's important that, in times of problems, stress and difficulties,
we depend on God for all things we need and not on drugs or alcohol. Why?
Apart from what has been mentioned already, what is another proof that using drugs and alcohol
are not the proper way of dealing with life's pressures?
In Proverbs 23:31-35, we read:
When under the influence of alcohol and drugs, one certainly has the feeling of elation and joy
since he feels that his problems are far away or even solved.
But this is short lived. In the end, one only compounds his predicament. Why?
For the surreal existence, he escapes to last only for awhile, then reality kicks back in
with his problems still unsolved and in fact, now more complicated. In what way?
To earn a living nowadays is very difficult, and what is earned should be used wisely.
But for those who abuse themselves with intoxicating substances
are actually squandering what they have earned and invariably, the income of others.
For those with families or loved ones to take care of,
this creates an even more stressful and tumultuous situation at home
since those who depend on such a person will find themselves lacking in their basic needs.
We know, dear friends, that using and even abusing intoxicating substances
was not only existent in early times, but is also prevalent in our time.
Knowing this, what is the apostles' admonition so that we'll not victim to it's addictive ways?
In Ephesians 5:18, we read:
Apostle Paul teaches us to stop getting drunk with wine.
His admonition is timely and should be heeded.
For how many times have we heard of people who reached a pinnacle of success
only to come crashing down to obscurity and shame due to substance abuse?
Such is the peril of allowing oneself to be influenced by the intoxicating lure of drugs and alcohol.
Instead, what did Apostle Paul advise?
Keep on being filled with the Spirit.
Let us then become dependent on God in getting through life's problems, difficulties and pressures.
How valuable is it for one to become dependent on God, especially in these times?
Let's read in Philippians 4:13 & 19, and Apostle Paul teaches:
By depending on God, focusing and obeying what He commands us to do,
God can not only give us the strength to face all conditions
but also supply us with all our needs.
In this way, no matter what the problem, no matter how great the challenge, and even against all odds,
just remember to trust in God.
He will always provide us the solution.