Rececently I travelled to Alaska with another brother from the church. Our last evening there was spent in fellowship with a precious group of believers in Palmer, AK. At the beginning of the meeting the pastor asked each person to write down a question on a notecard. Following a time of prayer, the pastor selected one question at a time, and we studied how the Bible answered the particular question. Bibles were opened, pages were turned, and each person in this fellowship pointed to a passage that spoke to each question. It was a very special time. 

I took mental notes during the meeting and selected three questions to address in a Sunday morning sermon. 

1. How can I find joy when life becomes monotonous?
2. How do I hold it all togetehr when I'm in the midst of serious trial?
3. How can I overcome depression and anxiety?

These are sensitive questions that require thoughtful and compassionate answers. Space does not allow me to give each question the attention they deserve. Below, I will provide three summary answers and the verses each answer is drawn from. I encourage you to meditate on each passage and ask God to grant you understanding. 

REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE VALUABLE
"For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth" ~Psalm 139:13-15

GOD HAS WRITTEN ALL YOUR DAYS
"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained [for me,] When as yet there was not one of them." ~Psalm 139:16

SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE
"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." ~ Colossians 3:1-4

There is no easy path out of monotony, or suffering, or depression; but Jesus gives this promise to everyone who submits to Him daily, ""Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). 

How can you use this in your life this week?
1. Read these verses every day and think about them. Ask God to help you understanding what He is saying through them. 
2. If your children are experiencing difficult days, read these verses to them and pray with them. 
3. Write these verses out and post them somewhere at work so you see them often.