*The First key is to face your problem realistically.

Be honest. Be realistic. Stop trying to assign blame.

Do not panic; do not run. Seek qualified counsel.

Most people are going to try to talk you out of things rather than into things.

Drop your pride, and go for help.

*The Second key is forgiveness.

If the adversity you are in was caused by someone else, decide to forgive him or her.

Unforgiveness will not hurt them, but it certainly will damage you!

Go to a trusted friend (or your Pastor, if you are a Christian) and talk.

Listen to uplifting cassette tapes. Read good literature, books that motivate and stimulate.

*A Third key to coming out of the storm is to get into a new project that will give purpose to your free time and increase your energy. Your emotions will fluctuate incredibly during storms. All time for events and new people to change you.

Establish new goals. Many times, there is a tendency toward disorientation. It becomes difficult to make plans. So become decisive about short-term accomplishments. Practice decisiveness.

*A Fourth way is to reach out to someone else going through similar problems. In helping them, you will receive healing in your own life. When Job (in the Bible) prayed for his friends, his own captivity was turned. Do not dissociate from everything and become introspective.

Let your pain generate compassion for others.

*A Fifth key is not to allow guilt to overwhelm you.

Guilt comes easily when you are facing problems. Avoid condemnation.

Forgive yourself as quickly as you would someone else. Fear and anxiety are tormentors and will fragment you even more. Be good to your mind, your body, and your emotions.

If anxiety is causing depression, try to exercise and work out the tensions physically.

Allow yourself to be entertained. Laughter is one of the best remedies for what ails you (whatever it is)!

*A Sixth remedy is to stay in a circle of friends who really care.

Be cautious of who you allow to come into your life during a time of adversity.

Stay near those who have proven their loyalty.

Disconnect from those who blame and accuse-evil communication corrupts and disrupts.

Remember: a wise man will walk with the wise and become wiser. A fool will walk with fools and be destroyed.

*The Seventh key is, When you are facing adversity is an excellent time to commit your life completely to God-which sounds simple but isn't.

As you struggle for new identity- struggle to overcome adversity and gain a new sense of worth-you have a tendency to want to pull yourself up by your own bootstraps.

God wants to be part of your life. Entrust your memories, as well as your ambitions, to the Lord. He wants to help you achieve your new dreams and goals. Make Him Lord and Master of your future. That will guarantee total happiness and success. Be encouraged.

Read these beautiful promises: Psalms 90:71:20,21; 90: 14; 91:9-11; 5:11.

"Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart." Ps.27: 14.

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*Send your questions/comments etc to: aocc@vsnl.com. Homepage: http://calvary.web.com

*For more encouraging messages visit http://comforting.web.com.

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Thank you for your time. God bless you. Encouragingly yours, Othniel.