January 18, 2019
I don’t know about you, but there are some days where I just feel like I don’t know how I’m going to make it through the day. The thoughts in my head just keep spinning and I sometimes drive myself crazy “thinking things through.” That’s code for worrying or being anxious about things that I shouldn’t be worrying about. I’m better than I used to be where worrying is concerned… but, I’m still a work in progress.
I find myself thinking about ideas of certain situations in my life that I’ve yet to experience or of situations where I could have done things differently. I try to not think about the past too much – because you know, you can’t change it! So, I try to learn from my past mistakes. I don’t always do such a good job of that though. I have a very dear friend who is willing to be honest with me when I need to hear the hard truth.
But, what about those times when you just have things on your mind that you can’t shake? What do you do? Some days I feel like the devil is playing on my weaknesses. So, I have to find ways to “drown the devil.” Pardon me if I’ve already blogged about this – my memory has been fuzzier than normal lately. I used to distract myself from my thoughts by shifting my focus on something to distract myself. I would watch television, talk with a friend, work, etc. Well, I still shift my focus; but, I’ve moved from simple distractions to filling my time and thoughts with God. I’ll listen to a podcast/sermon, listen to Christian music, read my Bible, pray, or discuss my situation and what I think God is doing with one of my friends or family members.
I stumbled upon a phone app a couple of years ago called “One Place.” It has a variety of Christian pastors to listen to that you can save for future listening reference as well as the ability to save sermons to listen to offline. They are usually about 25 minutes long or so. They have popular pastors like Tony Evans, Charles Stanley, Alistair Begg, and James Dobson as well as many other lesser known pastors. You can listen to their most recent sermon or even go back and listen to past sermons. And, the best part is that it’s all free! I listen to this app in the morning when getting ready for the day or when driving around in my car. It helps me to refocus my thinking and hear the Word of God when I don’t have the time to sit and read it – not to mention they have much better insight on the Bible than I do! This app has been so near and dear to my heart. I’ve listened to hours and hours of sermons when I just didn’t know what to do or think. The sermons have been spot on when I was having a “down day.” It may sound boring, but when I’ve needed a word from God this app has been really helpful to remind me of His word.
I’ve also found that listening to Christian music will give me a boost during these times. There’s nothing better than being able to praise God during the storm. It’s not easy; but, at the same time it’s empowering to trust Him and praise Him. If you don’t have any Christian music then search for KLove on your computer or phone. The iHeartRadio app has a KLove station; but they are usually in the community on the radio as well.
Something else that I do is I pray to God – without ceasing, or at least what feels like it. The Bible tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (ESV). At first I felt like I was burdening God with my never ending prayers and burning His ears with what was on my heart. But, then, I remembered the verse in 1 Thessalonians about praying without ceasing and I began to praise God for his written Word. I’m so thankful that God has given us His Word to read and remind of who He is until He returns. I need the availability to re-read things. Also, I’m so happy that God has many concepts in the Bible that He has chosen to repeat so that we can grasp it better. Hard headed people like me need this reminder!
There have been days where I couldn’t wait to get into my car and drive from one location to the net when I felt the need to pray to God without too many interruptions. I know that driving requires attention; but, compared to doing something like reading or writing it’s more passive and allows for more thinking. It also gives me the opportunity to pray out loud and to feel like I’m actually having a conversation with God. There are days where I feel the need to pour out my heart and mind to God in prayer. Sometimes this can take a lot out of me emotionally; but, for the most part it’s reassuring and gives me hope to know that He’s listening to my prayers and cares for me.
Reading my Bible is also something that I do when I just don’t know what to do. Sometimes it’s just picking up from where I left off last time and other times I find my way by looking up a specific topic and seeing where it takes me. Some very emotional times have occurred when I have opened up my Bible to see what it is that God is trying to convey to me. It’s been humbling as well as reassuring. I’ve also found that when I read my Bible when I’m stressed that I find peace to share with others.
Lastly, if I just can’t handle keeping it all inside then I will call a trustworthy friend or family member to discuss what it is that I believe God is trying to do in my life or ask them to pray for me. Thankfully, I have a few people like in my life. I wonder how much God laughs at me when I try to figure out my life and what it is that He’s trying to do in it. By talking with my family/friends I generally gain another perspective that I hadn’t previously considered. Sometimes they just listen and other times they provide feedback.
One last thing that I haven’t mentioned yet is that you can fast when you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed. I won’t go into this right now, but sometimes this is what it takes to win the battle.
So, while my brain is still distracted in general, what I’ve found is that focusing on God is a much better option. He actually has plans to use times like these in my life to grow me as a person and in Him. And, when focused on Him, I’m not left wanting more – like I used to when I watched more tv or did something else. This doesn’t mean that my problems disappear; rather I’ve re-centered myself in Christ and that it helps to get through the tough times.
I’m still navigating this area of life, but I can say that it’s much better than it used to be!
God Bless,
Penelope G.
This song has been floating through my mind a lot lately. I hope that it speaks to you as well – “Red Letters” by Crowder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q6M5IpSMhQ