Shelter From The StormSample

Fight or Flight or Fix

The fight or flight “I have to do something right now” feeling is one that can nearly engulf us during a crisis situation. Whether the crisis is emotional, physical, financial, or relational, this fight or flight feeling can cause us to become panic-stricken to the point of irrational or rash behavior.

Recently I experienced just such an overwhelming feeling. The sensation was so intense that I had to physically stop what I was doing and restrain myself. Hands to my head in frustration, I cried out, “Oh God, I don’t know how to handle this. Help me, Lord! I don’t want to react out of fear and panic.”

I actually forced myself to focus on the Lord Jesus, allowing His promise to be “a very present help in trouble” to calm my fear-filled heart (Ps. 46:1, NAS). As I slowly peeled my gaze away from all that appeared wrong, my focus shifted from the problem that seemed completely insurmountable to our omnipotent God who is sovereign over all. I purposefully chose to fix my eyes on Him rather than the problem (or my feelings about the problem). Though nothing changed in my outward circumstances, I literally felt release from the burden of it.

Of course, a simple change of focus won’t eliminate an unfaithful spouse, a pink slip from the boss, or a diagnosis of cancer, but what it will do is enable us to earnestly remember that our times are in His hand (Ps. 31:15). Regardless of what the situation may look like or feel like, we are not at the mercy of our circumstances. Fix your eyes on Him, beloved. He will never let you down.

Prayer for the Day

My Father and my God, You are worthy of my praise! Thank You for providing all I need to walk through my valleys of emotional trauma, fear, or the unknown. Enable me to fix my eyes on You rather than my circumstances. As I obey and trust You, You’re faithful to meet my every need. Cause me to remember and walk in the reality that You are sovereign over all. In Jesus’s name, amen.