How Do I Start a New Life When I'm at Rock Bottom?

When life takes you to a place where the floor seems to have dropped out from under you, the transitions can be daunting. My journey began after my divorce when I was left to confront the financial and emotional consequences alone. At Rock Bottom, the path ahead might seem no path at all, but I've learned that it’s possible to climb out of the deepest hole with the right mindset, support, and steps.

Facing Adversity head-on

Following my divorce, I had to move into an apartment of my own, which made the financial strain even more pressing. Working at CarMax, the pay I received failed to keep up with inflation, leaving me just enough to cover my bills and basic groceries. This was a stark reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Staying Resilient and Moving Forward

At rock bottom, the only option was to keep taking steps forward. I managed to regain my old job and improve my living situation. When change was needed, I didn't hesitate to act. I continued to move forward, knowing that every small victory was a step closer to a better life. It all came down to having faith in myself and believing that every step forward was a part of a larger journey.

Seeking Strength and Guidance

But staying at rock bottom was not an option. The only way to climb out of the hole is to turn around and start the climb. And for me, that meant turning to the Lord for strength. The Bible advises that we have confidence in Him because He hears us when we ask according to His will.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him. - 1 John 5:14-15, NKJV

Belief in God’s Plan

When Jesus urged His followers to have faith in His plan, He said, The kingdom of God is like a man who sowed good seed on his land. But while people were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprang up and formed ears, the weeds also appeared - Matthew 13:24-25, NIV. While this story sets the stage for a sower of good, it also emphasizes the importance of having faith in one's plan, even when it may seem buried or overshadowed.

Paul reminds us of the power of faith and trust, both in God and in ourselves. He wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13, GWV. This powerful reminder shows that our faith in Jesus can give us the strength to overcome any obstacle, no matter how insurmountable.

Pruning Worry and Embracing Hope

While faith and trust are crucial, it’s also important to address the mental and emotional burdens we carry. The Bible teaches that worrying will not add a single day to our lives. Instead, it advises us to trust in God to handle the big things, as well as the small.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. - Matthew 11:30, NKJV

What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them goes lost in the hills, won’t he leave the ninety-nine there and go and look for the lost one? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not go lost. - Luke 15:4-5, NIV

Considering God’s promise of prosperity, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11-13, can bring a sense of reassurance. These verses say, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” - GNB. This passage highlights the divine plan for us, promising that God will guide us towards a better and prosperous future.

Building on the Rock

Just as the parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7:24-27 teaches, we too must build our lives on a solid foundation—both physically and spiritually. When we face challenges, faith can act as the cornerstone that keeps us from collapsing. As Jesus warned, foolish builders who fail to ground their lives in truth and faith will be washed away by the storms of life. Conversely, those who build upon the unshakable rock of God's truth will endure even the most turbulent times.

Conclusion

At rock bottom, life can seem bleak, but with the right mindset, God’s support, and a commitment to moving forward, a new life is possible. Remember, your life is a story crafted by you, and every adversity is an opportunity to rewrite it. Trust in God and believe in yourself, and you will climb out of the depths to a place of new beginnings.