In light of the fact that over 4,000 soldiers have lost their lives in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and events such as the devastating tragedy that happened just Wednesday of this week, when Steven Curtis Chapman’s family lost their little girl to an accident at their home .. crisis is common. Loss is frequent.

The telephone rings, and the call is from a person in an emergency. While you’re sitting at your desk, a knock at the door comes from someone who has reached the end of her rope. You’re playing golf, and a colleague shares a problem that could destroy his life.

It is one thing to deal with an unexpected crisis in another person’s life, but it’s quite different when you have to face an extreme circumstance in your own life. The Lord told us those times would come when He said, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) For some reason, we never seem ready for the inevitable. How do you handle a crisis? Let me suggest the following.

• First, remember God is not surprised. He knows your name. He knows where you live. He knows exactly what is happening.
• Second, you should never go through a crisis or the valley of sorrow alone. Talk to someone; please do not shut others out. Call Focus on the Family’s Pastoral Care Line toll free at 877-233-4455 and we will listen.
• Third, if you can say or do something to alter the situation, then do it. Don’t let a problem become bigger than it should be. If there is nothing you can do, then surrender it to God. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7)
• Fourth, do not despair. “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged.” (Joshua 1:9) So often the things that trouble us are not as threatening as they appear to be.
• Finally, trust those people who can help. Be open and honest with your physician or counselor, family members and colleagues. Let them help mend your brokenness. If the crisis is a product of sin, then confess it. “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16) Accept God’s forgiveness and move forward.

Sure, it’s easy for me to suggest a simplistic formula for dealing with a crisis, but we all have to begin somewhere.

We hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. Remember those who have gone before, consider the loss of our military and honor them. Our podcast this Monday is entitled “In Remembrance” .. why not give it a listen? You can access it at www.podcast.hblondon.org

And Happy Memorial Day!