I had a very long “to-do” list for Monday. And, I got a lot of work accomplished. My body let me know that in the evening when it was stiff and aching.

But mentally and spiritually, all day, I was in survival mode. Some days are just like that. You have to fight your flesh as you deal with others around you. Hold that tongue. Don’t say that. Say something kind or nothing at all. (Was it Thumper that said that in Bambi? I looked it up. Thumper said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.”)

“For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.” Proverbs 26:20 (ESV)

Hebrews 12:1 popped in my mind this morning as I thought about it. Well, only this part popped in my mind… “…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”.

The Bible warns us that sin very easily besets us. If you google “beset” AI tells you—Beset means “to surround, inclose, hem in, or besiege”. Dictionary.com defines it this way—”to trouble greatly or grievously; to afflict with mental or physical suffering; harass…”

It’s a huge struggle every day, but some days—you just end up in survival mode. There are various conflicting definitions of survival mode, but here is my definition for myself.

When you have to zone out and not think about anything other than the work you’ve set for yourself that day. Don’t let your mind wonder about why this is happening. Or why it has happened like this over and over. Or is there anything you could do to stop or correct it? Just accept life as it is, the plate that has been handed to you. Don’t try to change anything—you can’t. It’s just what it is. Accept it and survive.

Survive with the LORD at your side. He is your only help in this world. No one else can help you in these struggles.

On days like this, I like to read the Psalm or Proverbs that correlate with that day. Today’s Psalm would be 27 of course.

Here are some highlights from the NLT version:

“The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.” (Verses 1-2)

“Hear me as I pray O LORD. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘LORD, I am coming.'” (Verses 7-8)

“…You have always been my helper….” (Verse 9)

“Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the right path…” (Verse 11)

“Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;…” (Verse 12)

“Yet I am confident I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” (Verse 13)

“Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.” (Verse 14)

And my heart responds to God’s WORD.

**What Bible verses are an encouragement to you when you are living in “Survival Mode”?