5 Ways Overcome Problems Before They Start

I read a lesson in A Course in Miracles recently that said, "Let me remember my problems have been solved." It took me a little while to really see what this meant, but I think I get it now. God's love is the solution to all our problems. Not just some of them, but all of them. We need only remember and trust this truth.

It's tempting sometimes to feel that one problem is bigger, more difficult or less forgivable than another problem, but all problems are ultimately the same—fear. And as 1 John 4:18 reminds us, "There is no fear in love." The two cannot coexist. 

That means that when we appear to be experiencing problems, we are choosing fear, and we are not remembering to trust and choose love. All that is needed is a shift of perspective to remember that God loves us, and his love is the solution to all our problems.

This mental shift during difficulties is sometimes easier said than done. But we can do it, especially when we prepare ahead of time. Here are some techniques I've found to work (when I remember to use them.) The key is to practice them--at least some of them--every day so that when you do encounter difficulties in your day, they won't take such a toll on you.

1. Positively pause and reflect. Take a few minutes, ideally before you get to work, to pause and reflect on the goodness of God. Say good morning to him like you do your spouse, children and other loved ones. And thank him for renewing your strength for another day.
2. Set your mantra for the day. Read at least one inspirational item, even if it's just a short quote, Bible verse, or affirmation that you can reflect and meditate on throughout your day. This will do a lot to strengthen your mind and disposition and will affect how you respond to situations as they occur.
3. Smile inwardly as well as outwardly. Do this as often as possible, and it will help you stay relaxed, positive and spiritually stronger when challenges and problems surface during your day. Consequently, as you handle them, you'll be more likely to make your decisions from a position of love rather than fear.
4. Decide to seek the good. When problems occur, it's often instinctive and natural to resist them and even question why they're happening. But in the words of Carl Jung, "What we resist persists." An easier route is to decide that, no matter what, you will seek the good in difficult circumstances and people and the lessons they are in your life to teach you.
5. Remember to remember love. Sometimes, even our best intentions to be and stay loving can be derailed by problems unless we make love a habit. This takes conscious intention and effort, especially when facing difficulties.  Before problems occur, remind yourself to remind yourself that God loves you--no matter what. The more often you do it, the easier it will be to remember that no matter what problem you may encounter, it has already been solved by God's love.