If you like roller coasters, then the anticipation of the dips and curves is half the fun. Once you’re on the ride, the thrill begins, and a temporary euphoria takes over. Sometimes, we compare our lives to a roller coaster. Dramas and traumas leave us disoriented, stressed, tense, agitated, overwhelmed, and reeling for solutions. This is not the joyful experience of an amusement park ride.
We don’t want a life with so many unexpected twists and turns. Is life a roller coaster? We ride roller coasters for the adrenaline rush, but the highs and lows of life aren’t amusing. How do we keep a smile on our face and contentment in our hearts when we don’t know what’s around the bend? Is life supposed to be a roller coaster?
You’re Not the Only One
Many people search Google for the answer to: Why does my life feel like a roller coaster? From family problems to financial burdens, we’re worn out by the constant stress. Yet couldn’t life just be steady? Instead of accepting the outcome, let’s be proactive and explore ways to manage the carnival ride.
How to Cope with Life’s Challenges
Binging on movies, food, drink, or conversely, blocking out life with oversleep and isolation won’t offer more than a delay. Eventually, we must confront our challenges.
While offering our best is important, in addition, there’s one more way to cope with and confront challenges.
Proverbs offers ordinary wisdom for extraordinary problems. “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG
Consequently, when we submit to God’s authority in our life, we’ll rely on Him for answers.
Be Teachable
           God’s way encourages us to be teachable. In fact, according to AI, there are numerous benefits for teachable people.
- Lifelong Learning
- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Problem-Solving
- Improved Communication
- Humility
- Open Mindedness
- Increased Opportunities
- Stronger Relationships
Above all, a teachable attitude is important—because—life is a roller coaster. Let’s be teachable under God’s authority. Depending on Him for wisdom isn’t weakness, it’s proof of a teachable spirit.
Behind the Scenes at the Amusement Park
Approach life like a roller coaster mechanic. One of the mechanic’s jobs is to prevent mechanical failures. Many of our problems are self-inflicted. Although we can’t prevent the unexpected, we can still alter negative outcomes by being responsible. 
Even before the restraint bar latches and the seatbelt clicks, the mechanic has performed an inspection to ensure the ride is operational.
This is the metaphor for your life. In the same way, be like a mechanic and take care of the components that drive life—family, finances, friends, and faith.
As They Say, We Can “Expect the Unexpected.”
Although you can’t prep for the unknown future, working day to day to keep life steady and predictable with good choices and responsible actions will alleviate some stress when the roller coaster plunges.
For example, the Proverbs offer sage advice to model an organized life.
If you plan and work hard,
you will have plenty;
if you hurry to get rich,
you will end up poor. Proverbs 21:5 CEV
           The easy-to-read Bible states the same verse this way: “Careful planning leads to profit. Acting too quickly leads to poverty.”
           And Proverbs 10:4 of The Message, diligent, hard work is emphasized.
“Sloth makes you poor;
diligence brings wealth.”
Is Life Supposed to be a Roller Coaster?
           When Jesus was on Earth, He told his disciples there would always be trouble around. But he didn’t leave them without hope. “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world. [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]” John 16:33 AMP
The Bible addresses the ups and downs of life. King David suffered from his own bad decisions and from circumstances out of his control. The Psalms offer prayers for the suffering and songs of praise. It’s a good book to read when you need a friend who’s experienced the consequences of poor personal decisions, physical afflictions, struggles with enemies, and family problems.
Psalm 30 begins by praising God for lifting David out of the pits and responding to his call for help. The chapter confirms that God turns negatives into positives. Verse eleven of this chapter encourages us with this ending. “You turned my wailing into dancing.”
The Roller Coaster Ride of Life
Whether you love to ride roller coasters or avoid them, no one wants to compare their life to one. But we’ve learned that life presents hardships. From a Christian perspective, we still find joy and peace in our circumstances.
           One strategy to maintain peace is to rely on God’s word. “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.” II Corinthians 1:6-7 NIV
Pray Because Life is a Roller Coaster
           Another effective strategy is to pray. Do you know how it feels when someone stops what they’re doing to sit and listen? When nothing else matters, other than our words. Listening is powerful and this is the way God interacts with us. “Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” James 4:8 NIV
           Even when we don’t quite know what to say, God still wants us to pray. “We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit himself speaks to God for us. He begs God for us, speaking to him with feelings too deep for words. God already knows our deepest thoughts. And he understands what the Spirit is saying, because the Spirit speaks for his people in the way that agrees with what God wants.” Romans 8: 26b-27
Not Always Fun, But Hardships Offer Knowledge
           One day this week, I was sure God had answered a prayer. But I was hasty in my conclusion because the next day, the problem presented a different answer. The cycle continued until a permanent outcome finally emerged by the end of the week. Meanwhile, I prayed.
God offers us a forum to help us sort through our problems. “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:8 NIV
           The most notable thrill of a roller coaster is the drops. Maybe you tried riding once and learned the experience wasn’t a thrill. Hardships aren’t thrilling either. Nevertheless, one good outcome is what we learn. The verses from Romans beautifully summarize what we learn through adversity.
           “We are also happy with the troubles we have. Why are we happy with troubles? Because we know that these troubles make us more patient. And this patience is proof that we are strong. And this proof gives us hope. And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.” Romans 5:3-5 ERV
Above all, God promises hope to keep a smile on our faces and contentment in our hearts even when life sends us on a roller coaster ride.
When Life Really Sends You on a Roller Coaster Ride:
Roller Coasters Facts
Longest: Steel Dragon 2000 in Japan—8133.2 feet
Fastest: Formula Rossa in United Arab Emirates moves—149 MPH
Oldest: Leap-the-Dips, Pennsylvania, US—1902
Favorites: Top 10
Proverbs 3:5-6 has carried me through many of life’s ups and downs.
Great analogy. I love roller coasters, but not the ups and downs of life so much. But this is a reminder that it’s necessary.