The Unexpected Challenges of Adulthood and Our Need for Divine Support

The Unexpected Challenges of Adulthood and Our Need for Divine Support

Remember that childhood dream of growing up and having it all figured out? The freedom to drive anywhere, eat whatever you want, and make your own decisions? As adults, we often look back on those naive thoughts with a bittersweet smile. The truth is, adulting is hard. Really hard.

For those still in their youth, living under their parents' roof, this might sound like just another lecture from the "grown-ups." But for those of us navigating the complexities of adult life, we know the weight of responsibility that comes with independence.

Adulthood brings a barrage of challenges we never anticipated. Suddenly, we're juggling work commitments, home responsibilities, and relationships. The guilt of not spending enough quality time with loved ones creeps in, while work concerns refuse to stay confined to office hours. As we settle into our roles as parents or professionals, we watch our own parents age, introducing a new layer of emotional complexity.

Then there's the sobering reality of loss. As we grow older, we begin to lose people we care about – grandparents, mentors, friends. Each passing leaves a void, reminding us of our own mortality and the preciousness of time.

In this age of social media, we're bombarded with carefully curated highlight reels of others' lives. It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing our behind-the-scenes struggles with someone else's public successes. But as therapist Annie Wright wisely points out, real life is composed of far more mundane moments than social media would have us believe. Laundry piles, sink full of dishes, budget worries, and sheer exhaustion at the end of the day – these are the unseen realities of most people's lives.

Add to this daily grind the presence of adversity – maybe a competitive coworker trying to undermine you, or a toxic family member causing strife. These challenges can make life feel unbearable at times.

It's tempting to romanticize the past, imagining that previous generations had it easier. But a look through history and scripture tells us otherwise. From Joseph's betrayal by his brothers in Genesis to Naomi's trials in the book of Ruth, human struggles have been a constant since the dawn of time.

Psalm 70 gives voice to this universal human experience of feeling overwhelmed and desperate for help. The psalmist cries out, "God deliver me! LORD, as my help, hurry!" It's a raw, urgent plea that many of us can relate to in our most challenging moments.

The psalm contrasts those who bring "shame and disgrace" with those who genuinely seek God's will. It reminds us that while there will always be people who cause distress, there are also those who rejoice in God, love His salvation, and proclaim His greatness.

This juxtaposition reflects the reality of our daily lives. We constantly navigate between moments of struggle and moments of joy, between facing adversity and experiencing grace. The key lies in where we place our focus and from where we draw our strength.

The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 8, assuring us that nothing can separate us from God's love – not hardship, distress, persecution, or any other challenge life throws our way. This promise serves as an anchor in the stormy seas of adulthood.

It's a truth beautifully captured in the hymn "I Need Thee Every Hour" by Annie Hawks. Written when she was a young mother of 37, the full weight of its meaning didn't hit her until she became a widow at 53. Her experience teaches us that our need for God's presence isn't limited to times of obvious crisis – we need Him in every moment, whether we're facing major life changes or just going about our daily routines.

As we navigate the complexities of adult life, it's crucial to remember that we're not meant to do it alone. The idea that we should have it all together, that we should be able to handle everything life throws at us without help, is a myth that only leads to frustration and burnout.

Instead, we're invited to lean into a deeper truth: our constant need for divine support. Whether we're experiencing joy or pain, tackling exciting projects or mundane chores, facing adversity or enjoying peace – we need God's presence in every hour.

This realization doesn't magically make the challenges of adulthood disappear. The bills still need to be paid, relationships still require work, and unexpected problems will still arise. But it does change our perspective and our approach to these challenges.

When we acknowledge our need for God's help, we open ourselves up to a source of strength and wisdom beyond our own limited resources. We find comfort in knowing that we're not alone in our struggles, that there's a higher purpose to our experiences, and that we're loved unconditionally regardless of our successes or failures.

Adulting may be hard, but it doesn't have to be a solitary journey. As we face each day with its mix of joys and trials, mundane tasks and significant decisions, we can echo the words of the psalmist and the hymn writer: "I need Thee every hour." In doing so, we invite divine support into every aspect of our lives, finding the strength, guidance, and peace we need to navigate the complex terrain of adulthood.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by adult responsibilities or disheartened by life's challenges, remember that you're not alone. Take a moment to acknowledge your need for divine help, and allow that awareness to transform your perspective. In joy or pain, in mundane moments or life-altering events, there's a constant source of support available to you. Embrace it, and discover a new depth of resilience and peace in your journey through adulthood.