Untriggered: Resting in God When You’re Triggered by Anxiety, Anger, or TemptationSample

Stir-Crazy

Think About It

Stir-crazy.  

Those words can be used to describe the feelings that come with being stuck in one place for far too long. Kids can feel stir-crazy when Summer days get taken over by rain and they can’t go outside. Sometimes moms get stir-crazy when they find themselves realizing they haven’t left the house in a long time. In a pandemic, people go stir-crazy when “stay at home” orders go from days to weeks.  

Being stir-crazy can often trigger an emotional domino effect. Feeling stuck moves to unrest. Unrest moves to anxious thoughts. And then anxious thoughts start to feel like the walls are closing in and there’s no hope.

When you recognize the feelings and emotions involved in this train of thoughts, you get to make a choice. Where will you turn for hope and a way forward? 

While you could battle feeling stir-crazy with practical suggestions from the latest blog or Pinterest board, there is nothing like the answer of Scripture from God's perspective to help you pause and find real rest from it all.

You say, I am anxious.

God says, In every situation, come to Me with prayer and praise.

You say, No one understands.

God says, My peace transcends all understanding.

You say, I can't take this anymore.

God says, Throw it all on me.

When being stir-crazy triggers anxiety and unrest, stop today and take it all to the God who cares. He wants all of your emotions today, all of your messy stir-crazy feelings. God is ready to listen and bring peace.

Pray About It

Holy God, I confess that it’s more natural for me to worry about what I can’t control than it is to trust You. Forgive me for forgetting so easily how faithful and good You are. May Your Spirit teach me to rest in Your peace and turn my thoughts toward worship and gratitude. Amen.