The Bear Went Over the Mountain

The bear went over the mountain.
The bear went over the mountain.
The bear went over the mountain,
and what do you think he saw?

He saw another mountain.
He saw another mountain …

Sometimes you may feel like the bear that went over the mountain. You summit what seems to be a mountain of difficulties, only to see a new peak of problems. As if everyday concerns aren’t enough, add in tensions created by the virus, the protests, and an upcoming election, and you may wonder how you’ll ever be able to traverse this mountain range of problems. What to do? What to do?

#1. Remember you are not alone. We have a guide who will be with us as we climb each mountain.

The Lord makes firm the steps
   of the one who delights in him;
   though he may stumble, he will not fall,
    for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23-24

#2. Determine which mountains are worth climbing. Stop worrying about things you have no power to change. Pick your battles.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34

#3. Take heart; you are not a victim; you are an overcomer.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37

#4. Be encouraged; overcoming obstacles can build hope.

We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3b

#5. Be thankful for things that are going right.

Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19b-20

#6. Be patient.

I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14

#7. The next time you feel as if life seems more than you can bear, look on those mountains of problems as opportunities to draw closer to the Lord.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
    where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
             he who watches over you will not slumber;
Psalm 121:1-3 (NIV)

Blessings,
Don & Bonnie Sennott