(a chapter from my book, Facing Change)
When change hits us unexpectedly, it directly blows our gut. We are momentarily winded, unable to breathe. Our minds are numb, unable to focus. Our thoughts are frozen, unable to think coherently. Our limbs are weak, unable to stand or to walk or to act.
Yet, we have to take stock of what just happened. This might take a few days, weeks, or months, sometimes years. Psalm 46:9-11 NKJV encourages us thus: He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
Meditate on this scripture: [Psalm 46:10 NIV] “Be still, and know that I am God”, says the Lord God Almighty.
Knowing God is a place of rest, peace, strength, and comfort for those who rest in Him.
Work on deliberate relaxation techniques that do not use idolatry.
Breathe deeply. Take 10 deep breaths. Breathe with your stomach.
Find a space on the floor or a bed on which you can lie flat on your back. Don’t fidget. Just concentrate on your belly button and your breathing. Breathe with your stomach and feel your belly button rise and fall. Take 10 deep breaths. Repeat. Repeat this until you feel comfortable doing it. Allow the tension to leave your body. Let go …
While still lying flat on your back and breathing deeply, work from the top of your head to the soles of your feet, tense and relaxing each muscle step by step. Start with your scalp, then your neck, then your shoulders, then your upper arms, then your lower arms, then your fingers. Go back to your shoulders, then in between your shoulder blades, then your lower back, then your thighs, then your calves, then your feet.
Repeat and repeat until you feel human again. Do it daily.
Realise that you can’t cope with everything that hits you. Relax and let go. Problems today will still be problems tomorrow. We don’t have to hang on to them. Realise that it is not your job to know everything there is to know. There is a finite limit to what we can cope with as normal human beings, and if you can, release all your problems and burdens to God.
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. [Psalm 55:22 NKJV] Trust in the LORD that He is more than able to guide you into everything that you will need.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; n all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. [Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV]
Another way to approach stressful change and situations is to increase the amount of physical exercise we do. A brisk walk or run often wonders for our demeanour and mind. Start very small, say walk for 30 minutes, and build up to one or two hours three times a week. One pastor started getting us into the walk and prayer times early in the mornings, an imaginative way to keep our walks interesting.
May the grace and peace of Abba Father the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Thank You, Abba Father, Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Word Sabre, scribe for Abba Father, LORD GOD, Lord Most High, Lord Jesus Christ.