Reality
Reality
When you are stressed out about something, what do you do? I’m not asking for the right answer. I’m interested in reality. What do you really do?
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a couple of go-to’s. My first is a classic. “I think I’ll spend significant time worrying about this problem and maybe even let it ruin my day/week/month. Perhaps I can even take it a step further and count up all the other times I’ve encountered a similar problem and remember how badly it turned out those times. Yes, that’ll help, for sure!”
Another primary mode for me is the “plead in prayer” tack. “God, this is bad. This is really, really bad. You’ve got to do something! Please, please, pretty please, move on my behalf!”
And sadly, I’ve been known to bounce back and forth between the two. But I’m in a season right now where I’m learning a new way. And it’s really rocking my world.
It’s not fancy. Basically I’m just learning to look at the Lord instead of the problem.
Now I’m not saying that I’m ignoring the problem or shutting down my heart. Not that. Not that AT ALL. In fact, I start out by pouring my heart out to Him about the problem. Something like this:
“Father, my joints hurt and it’s stressing me out. I’ve had to downgrade my life in serious ways these past few years and I just hate it! I’m so sad. I’m too young to feel this old! And worst of all, I don’t understand why I’m still having this problem when I have prayed and prayed…”
There. I’ve gotten it out there. I’ve stated the problem. I’ve brought it to the King, I’ve been honest about how I feel, and I’ve probably even shed some tears.
But then there’s a turning.
It’s intentional and it’s not always the easiest thing in the world. But it’s achievable and is even becoming natural for me. I choose to turn my attention away from the problem — the pain, the sadness, the disappointment. I turn my attention to reality, to the reality that the Lord has the answer, is the answer, is right here with me in the midst of the problem, cares about me, and is leading me onward. I allow the truth of the matter to penetrate, deep into my bones. (Or joints, as the case may be!) You’re here with me in the middle of it all, Papa! So it’s gonna be okay!
And as I let that reality sink in, I find a release. Sometimes in the midst of my tears, I even feel my face relaxing into a gentle smile.
Why the change? Because I encountered the truth. I allowed my heart to settle into the greater reality. Is the pain in my body, my heart, or my world real? Yes. But even MORE real, is Him being here with me.
It’s becoming a pattern… God, this is HARD and it hurts! Tears, sniff, sigh. But You have an answer for this, don’t You? You have a way forward for me, regardless of what anyone else in the world may or may not do. You reconcile, You restore, You redeem. Small smile. Thank you, Papa. No matter what I face, I face it with You, and that’s a reality I can handle.
Hallelujah! Sarah! Such truth! Yes, reality in Christ! You are so wise beyond your young years! Thank you!
Thank you honey for sharing out of your pain and progress! God has dug and is digging a deep well in you. ❤️
Thank you for sharing out of your challenges where your hope comes from✝️
“Look at the Lord instead of the problem”
Sarah, you just described the genre of the Psalms known as lament! Be real with the Father about where you are, but then acknowledge who He is in the midst of it! You are in good company!!!!