Is It's ok, to not be ok

Descriptive words for the times

Busy, frustrated, tired, overpowered, unable to catch up, always something to do.

Statements that have become badges of honor and common greetings to one another.

Fight or Flight

The instinctive physiological response to a threatening situation, which readies one either to resist forcibly or to run away. (Oxford Languages)

With the advent of cell phones and messages, we can now receive direct access to news media-local and international, and social media. We can now inundate ourselves with information that we maybe able to affect a change, but only involves us indirectly trough the media.

The new norm

Everything from Gun violence, police shootings, supply and employee shortages, and catastrophic weather…one thing after another with no sign of relief in sight. Whats worse is that people are looking at Christians for answers.

The trap

Belief that because we’re Christian’s we shouldn’t feel overwhelmed, or that would be a sign that we don’t have faith in God to work out everything for good.

Scriptures that help

1. (Psalms 62:1-2 “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

2. 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you”

3. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

How do we lessen these strong emotions

Step 1. Acknowledge your overwhelmed feelings to God in prayer

When we are in this state of mind, we should not isolate ourselves and suffer in solitude away from community. More importantly, scripture tells us over and over that the weapons of our warfare is spiritual and God is to be our first consult…not the last after we’ve exhausted all other means. God is strong enough to handle your true emotions and feeling, even if they don’t reflect well toward Him. (John 4:23 “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” )

Step 2

Read testimonies of believers that have overcome trials with God.

There is nothing new under the sun, so we know that someone has overcame (Revelation 12:11 “And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.” )

Step 3

After you have prayed, read the testimonies of those that came before us…take a breath and surrender everything to God.

No matter how strong, educated, or wise in our own eyes we believe we are, God never intended for us to carry more than he places on us to bear. (Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” )