On Feb 24, 2016, my husband and I sat beside his mother’s bed in her personal care home, as hospice nurses care for her in her last days. Ron’s mom was comfortable and at peace with her Lord, and so were we.

Most people would not write a blog while awaiting the home-going of a loved one, but that’s what I did. Writing is part of who I am. So is thinking and reading. Work helps me during turbulent times. It’s not an avoidance tactic; it’s part of who I am.

What struggles are you facing?

• Dissatisfaction with your current career?
• Relational challenges?
• Ailing relatives?
• Finding your direction in life?

So here is a faith statement: “I’ll boldly depend always upon Father.”

The first letter of the words in this statement form an acrostic (IBDAUF) for where to look for God’s encouragement during turbulent times: inward, back, down, around, up, forward. See below.

Look INWARD

In turbulent times, continue to be authentically who God created you to be.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. – Psalm 139:14

• Continue to be “you” during turbulent times.
• You don’t have to respond to grief, stress, or adversity in the same way as “everyone else.” Keep doing things that you love, such as reading, writing hobbies, sports, enjoying nature, or enjoying a good meal. Don’t think you have to feel or act in certain ways.
• Hang onto your unique identity in turbulent times.

Look BACKWARD

Remember how God loved you and acted in your behalf in your past.

I will remember the things the Lord has done. Yes, I will remember the powerful works of long ago. – Psalm 77:11

• Remember and give thanks for God’s amazing works in your past.
• How does that give you confidence for the future?

Look DOWNWARD

Look to the Solid Rock upon which you stand.

I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. – Psalm 40:1-2

• In what ways is God your Solid Rock, the one constant in a changing world?

Look AROUND

Lean on the people and resources around you.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17

• Who can encourage you or give you wisdom in this struggle?
• What resources (books, internet resources, etc.) might help you?

Look UPWARD

Look up to God: talk and listen to Him in prayer.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6

• What helps you best connect with God? Singing? Reading? Nature? Something else?
• Keep doing that thing in turbulent times.

Look FORWARD

Act in faith, and go forward, even if you’re scared.

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

• What faith step is God prompting you to take during your current turbulent time?

What difficulties are you facing today?

Remember the acrostic, IBDAUF, by remembering the first letters of the words of this faith statement: “I’ll boldly depend always upon Father.” And then use IBDAUF to look inward, backward, downward, around, upward, and forward!

Feel free to comment or ask questions below.