It Is What It Is … Or Is It?

What’s going on in your life right now that feels completely out of your control?

Is it weighing on you with depression, anger, or hopelessness? Or maybe it’s just quiet sadness that doesn’t seem to lift. This is real for many people.

I know someone who faces it daily, aging, health struggles, financial pressure, broken relationships, and the slow erosion of time. Some of it comes from their own choices, but much of it is just the reality of life.

Age happens, problems happen, and none of us can stop it. So what do we do then? Do we just shrug and say, “It is what it is”?

Not long ago, I spoke with this person and they said that phrase at least ten times in fifteen minutes. They were discouraged. Some of their hardship was self-inflicted, but much of it was beyond their control.

As they repeated the words, I kept thinking, is it really? Or is there something more that God, Jesus, The Holy Spirit - even other people has for us in those moments?

Here are a few ways I’ve learned to face what feels uncontrollable.

First, remember God’s word - read it. It’s actually a living, breathing organism that will enter your soul. It’s true. It breathes life when everything else feels dead.

“God’s word is alive and working and is sharper than a double-edged sword. It cuts all the way into us… and it judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts” (Hebrews 4:12 NCV).

If you can’t remember scripture when you need it, reach out to someone who can remind you. God never intended us to do life alone. Mountain climbers don’t climb alone. They tie themselves together, and that’s how they make it to the top.

Second, pray. I know it may sound religious, but prayer is simply a real conversation with God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. They care, they love, and they can help.

The Aposotle Paul said:

“Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks” (Philippians 4:6 NCV).

Prayer shifts our focus away from the problem and toward the One who is greater than the problem. Ask the Holy Spirit for peace and strength, and even if nothing changes around you, I promise you will see change inside of you.

Third, “do something”. It may seem small, but it has a huge impact. Call someone who is lonely. Visit a friend. Serve. Volunteer. Journal. Cry and share your heart with someone. Ask for help.

I’ve done these things when life was heavy, and they really do help. The Apostle James said: “Do what God’s teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves” (James 1:22 NCV). Faith takes a step, even if it’s just one. You have to trust when you can’t see the outcome - otherwise it’s not faith.

For some, the first step is humbling yourself enough to admit you need help. For others, it’s pushing a little harder, even when you don’t feel like it. Either way, you don’t have to stay stuck with “It is what it is.”

Because when you remember God’s Word, pray with honesty, and act with even the smallest faith, life is no longer just “the way it is.” Life becomes what God can make it, even in the middle of what feels unchangeable.

Listen, this may sound like religous mumbo-jumbo, but please just believe it - trust it - and do it. You can …

GOD, JESUS, HOLY SPIRIT please help my friend today. IJNIP Amen ♥️