All the Feels of a Funk...

"You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control." - Jesus Calling

The Lord will fight for you.  You just keep still. -Exodus 14:14

As the sun went down and nightfall ushered in a new silence, I quietly entered the front door of a once familiar hospital.  Although this was the birthplace of my sweet daughter, I hadn't been here in a very long time.  The only sound was that of an elderly man mopping the floors with great care and perfection.  Slowly, he looked up and quietly said, "Do you need help?"  I quickly replied, "No, I think I've got this."

The fact of the matter is lately I have needed a lot of help.  As written previously, I have always struggled with anxiety.  The mystery of this rests in the unusual reality of how unpredictable anxiety can be.  One never knows when a wave may overwhelm her soul.  Isn't it beautiful that the changing hormones of premenopausal women can happen at the same time our teenagers go through puberty?  One of my dear friends labeled this as proof that God has a sense of humor!  So it is that the changing hormones of my body have caused my anxiety to spiral a wee bit out of control.

I have needed the help of a trusting counselor.  I have needed the help of a quality medical doctor.  I have needed the help of my close family and friends.  Most importantly, I have needed the help of my Almighty Father.  In these days of a "funk," I have had all the "feels."  I have not always loved roller coasters.  They scare me!  Riding this emotional rollercoaster has included scaling mountains, descending into valleys, reaching for my seatbelt and praying the handle bar might be a few sizes bigger for gripping purposes.  This...This is what I have come to know.

In the funky seasons of life....

God shows up in mighty ways.  His presence is alive in the glorious pockets of peace scattered throughout our days.  As I write these words, His peaceful presence overwhelms my soul.

We must take time, every day, to be still.  God does His best work in the silent, still spaces of our lives.  His best work includes fighting for you and me.

We need to laugh.  Laughter is truly good for our souls.

We need to accept the beautiful reality that it is ok to not be ok.  In a world that demands perfection, I believe God celebrates all of our imperfect moments when we need Him more.

We must pause and give thanks.  Reflecting on our blessings shines His radiant light over any darkness surrounding us.

I don't know what season of life in which you may find yourself.  However, I do know this.  God is already there.  Be still.  Wait expectantly for pockets of peace.  Laugh.  Be ok with not being ok.  Give thanks.  God is good.  He will carry you through.  Amen.