Posted on February 1, 2024 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call
In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. – Psalm 94:19
Life gets crazy busy sometimes. Whether it is of our own doing or things that come our way through circumstances beyond our control – life can be hectic.
I have recently come through such a season. Frankly, for me, it was a combination of some self-inflicted busyness but mostly, a lot of outside activity and demands that were not conducive for me to conveniently schedule. I won’t list it all because just trying to explain it is overwhelming to me and will be mostly confusing and boring for you.
Suffice it to say, my brain felt like there was constant static; noise going on in my head. It was difficult to carry one thought through to conclusion before another shouldered its way into my consciousness pushing the thought from center stage. I’m not looking for sympathy but I sure my experience is not unique to me. Perhaps you would describe it differently, but I suspect you have had a similar season.
With increasing pressures and stress, I felt like I just wanted to talk to someone – to get a clear mind again, or as my friend Stephanie calls it – do a data dump. I thought for a few minutes who I could call to decompress with? There were a few people that came to mind, but very quickly I realized the best Decompressor is Jesus. I’m not saying there isn’t value in a good conversation over a cup of coffee, but FIRST we need to go to Jesus. “…Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching…. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:39, 42
So I spent some time talking to Jesus. I poured out all the things that I was mentally carrying – or trying to carry, and probably doing a poor job of it. I just went to Jesus and did my “data dump.” I decompressed with the Lover of my soul, the One who knows me intimately and knows absolutely everything about me. He knows how I am processing incoming data –right or wrong. He knows how to sort through all the data and eliminate what is unimportant, flag what is important and to take corrective action when necessary.
When we get overwhelmed with life circumstances or our minds feel filled with static, we can first run to Jesus “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” He calls us to: Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28 Then after we decompress with Jesus, then we can have coffee with that friend.
Blessings,
Diane
(Originally written 09/16/2019)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the doctrinal and theological views held by America’s Keswick.
Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.
Think About This: “God’s revelation does not need the light of human genius, the polish and strength of human culture, the brilliancy of human thought, the force of human brains to adorn or enforce it; but it does demand the simplicity, the docility, humility, and faith of a child’s heart.” ― E.M. Bounds
The Daily Bible Reading: Luke 9-11. You can download our 2024 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us.” – John 4:18-19
Consider a retreat at America’s Keswick retreat center.
