Drowning
Have you ever had a season in your life when you feel like your very soul is drowning in grief, despair or stress? It could be chaos at work or at home, your finances could be falling apart or you have received devastating news about your health. When you feel like you are drowning, the cause is rarely relevant and the solutions are often few. What do we do?
Thankfully, for the one who follows Jesus, there are things we can do that will help us. No, it may not fix the car. No these things won’t change the deadline at work. No, the body may not heal on this side of eternity. However, even when situations don’t change, we can be changed and face the despair with hope. What do we do?
First, I would encourage you to fast in times of chaos. Fasting is prayer on steroids. Fasting communicates to God the seriousness with which you take the situation and focuses the heart and mind. Pastor Kevin Myers recently said that, “Prayer is God’s invitation for us to move things in heaven to sway things on earth.” If you feel like you are drowning, it would be advisable to call out to the One who walks on water.
Second, I would encourage you to dive deep into scripture. Does Jesus have anything to say about the situation you find yourself in? Has someone in scripture faced something similar? Are their concepts found in the biblical world that apply to your situation? Turn to scripture for help, guidance and wisdom.
Third, I would encourage you to sing. When we declare with your mouth what we know to be true, something happens in us. As good as it is, we should do more than meditate on God’s word. We should do more than think good thoughts. We should declare the truth with our mouth and singing is a great way to do that very thing.
Fourth, I would encourage you to surround yourself with those who journey with Jesus near you. Sometimes chaos can make us want to isolate ourselves but that is the worst thing we can do. Invite a trusted friend out for coffee. Talk to a pastor. Take a risk and be vulnerable with the situation you face. You might just discover the person God led you to talk to has been down the path you now walk.
Lastly, there are times when those who feel like they are drowning require professional help. If the chaos in your life is taking you to a difficult place emotionally and you can’t seem to find your way despite these efforts, then take the step to talk to a professional Christian counselor. There is nothing wrong or weak about getting help when you struggle to keep your head above the water.
Thankfully, chaotic moments in life are always temporary. Hope is never lost for the one who follows Christ. We may need to abandon a dream. We may need to experience significant change or shifts. However, we never lose hope because our hope is centered in a Person, not a situation. May the encouragement of Jesus Christ be yours as you fix your eyes on Him today.