Facing trouble with faith, reason, and resolve
It is quite normal in our lives to get into trouble. It may be a new problem or an old one surfacing. What is different, however, is the reaction of an individual. It depends on the individual’s nature. One may lament what is happening to him, or get angry about it and blame someone for it, or fear the worst, or seek sympathy from someone, or go into denial: it cannot happen to me.
Very seldom does one take the blame for it or consider it as normally occurring. And it is really rare to seek guidance and help from God. Fortunately, I do. The mind goes into overdrive for almost all. Surely, seeking a solution is normal, as is thinking of avoiding or escaping the problem, but becoming obsessed about something is not wise at all.
What should one do? There are three options. One is to think hard about what the best course of action is. However, it may not be so easy. Then, one should seek help from a near or dear one; ego should not be allowed to interfere. Thirdly, one should begin praying to God for guidance and help. Let us see what others can do. They can sympathise, being kind. Some may find fault with the person and make him feel guilty or foolish. Some may try to guide and help in their limited ways.
This is what God can do for us. Let me be very honest. God ignores most of our requests if they are not very sincere, which most are not. All our prayers for help must be in a humble mood. God will guide perfectly, being omniscient. Does God not know the past, present, and future as well? In short, God knows the Big Picture, which we are never privy to.
And if we are devotees of God, having developed God consciousness, He helps us to overcome our problems by His ‘ichcha shakti’ (divine willpower), as promised by Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, verse 18.58. God mostly uses a near or dear one to extend such help. Additionally, God makes a note of us for extending help in the future too. What should one not do when in trouble or faced with a problem? Freeze with fear, thinking of the worst, which seldom happens. If it were so common, how would anyone survive till ripe old age? Or lament one’s bad luck, because all good or bad that happens to us is due only to our past ‘karmas’ (acts).
Seeking sympathy is also of no gain, because it does not address the problem. Giving up is another silly thing to do. Problems just do not go away, except some, like being stuck with bad company while travelling on a plane. Postponing action does not help if the problem is urgent, like a fever.
And one must be prepared to tolerate until the problem is solved; intolerance makes it worse. Just as happiness and misery are forever coming and going (2.14), problems will also come. And we must be prepared to deal with them.
Conclusion
Trouble is inevitable, but how we respond defines us. By combining thoughtful action, the support of loved ones, and sincere faith in God, we transform crises into opportunities for growth. Problems test our patience and character, but with humility and perseverance, they ultimately strengthen us.
The writer is a spiritual teacher; views are personal
