You OK?

You OK?  You good today?  How is your day going?  How are you? 

It seems that every day, whether on the phone talking to family/friends or walking the neighborhood and being greeted by neighbors, this is a standard greeting.  I have to say that I live within a caring world of family and friends and most often my response is: "Doing well!  Yup, good today.  Things are going great!  I am fine."  And, for the most part I mean it.

However, like the picture so clearly reveals, the answer to "You OK?" can sometimes take a bit of time to "untangle" and the reply may be be more than the asker is bargaining for!

Thank you, George Peters, for this great cartoon.  I have kept it tucked in my Bible and never tire of reflecting on it!  It makes me smile.  It makes me laugh!  It also makes me reflect on the tangles, knots and mess in my life that aren't so easily seen by the naked eye.

There are days in my life when I feel all snarled up.  When the tangles of questions, answers, decisions and responsibilities are all tightly held together with no clear beginning or end.  There seems to be nothing but a snarled up ball of life moments and I am stuck in the middle of the whole mess.

So, what can we do when this picture is an accurate picture of our current state of mind? What can be done when we feel like we are in the middle of snarled up tangles that are overwhelming and that leave us stuck?  

First, as the picture so clearly shows - share with a friend.  The value of a friend can never be  overstated.  A friend, of course, may not have any more answers than you do, but a friend can stand with you as you undo the tangles and straighten out the snarls.  A friend can encourage and support plus prove to be a great helper in times of trouble! 

Secondly, be a friend to yourself.  Allow yourself time to sift and sort, to undo tangles and restore your line to what it was meant to be.  Practice positive self talk:  "I can do this.  I am smart.  I can figure this out.  Rome wasn't built in a day - this may take some time, but that's OK.   I can ask for help.  I will ask for help!"  

Thirdly, celebrate each step going forward!  Cultivate thankfulness and gratefulness.  Find the blessing in each tangle, every knot, no matter the circumstance, 

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

and lastly, Pray.  You have a Friend who is close than a brother (yes, that is a name to a wonderful Gospel hymn!)  Jesus will always stand with you and be available to you.  His eye is upon you and He loves you.  He has promised to hear every prayer and He offers guidance and strength to persevere through the tangles and snarls of this life.

Verses from Psalm 119:
"My eyes fail, looking for Your promise;  I say, 'When will You comfort me?'....'How long must Your servant wait?'.......Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path....I have put my hope in Your Word...Sustain me according to Your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed......Deal with Your servant according to Your love and teach me Your decrees....The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.....Direct my footsteps according to Your word;.....Make Your face shine upon Your servant and teach me...."

You OK? 

However you answer that question today, be assured the Lord Jesus is with you and He desires for you to be OK.  

In His Name and for His sake, I pray this day that you are and will be forever OK.  Amen.