How Ya Feeling?Sample

Kinda Stressed

I might be the only guest at the carnival who, like clockwork, gets motion sick on the kids’ merry-go-round!

It’s not figurative. And it’s certainly not merry. Every time I step on a carousel I’m aware of my inability to navigate the up-down moments that look tame on the outside, but creep in without warning and wreak havoc on my insides.

Anxiety strikes in a similar way, masking truth in a situation when what we need most is stability. It shows up in the spaces we thought were safe...and tame. And soon, the ground beneath our feet begins to move and we tuck chin to chest, clamp our eyes shut, and just pray the ride will end soon. 

Psalm 55 addresses the up-down stressors that can swoop in to overwhelm us in this life. It’s everything from the depths of emotion we face in death, loss, and grief, to the everyday disappointments in broken relationships and missed opportunities.

We’re turning circles, and we think we’re alone.

But look closer. Instead of asking why we’re on a ride we can’t handle on our own, why not ask God, ‘Where are you in this?’.

If we cast our up-down cares on God, He says He will sustain us. (Psalm 55:22) He will make a way in the deserts we find ourselves in. (Isaiah 43:19) He goes with us in every turn (Deuteronomy 31:6), commands us to have courage (Joshua 1:9), and stays with us to the end (Matthew 28:20) because where He is, happens to be where He’s been all along, right beside us.

Instead of praying for the ride to be tame or the day’s stressors to end on OUR  terms, pray for the courage to hold your head up, and face the up-down moments with the assurance that He’s always at our side through it. 

Reflect and Discuss

What specifically is weighing you down right now that you need to release to God?

Prayer 

God, as I move through my day, help me to not focus on the up-down moments that make me anxious. Instead, let me find You in every situation. Let me harness courage in the moments that scares me the most, cast my burdens on You in the moments that weigh me down, and to always seek Your face in the midst of uncertainty. I won’t be moved, because You will sustain me.