Sometimes, I find my brain stuck on the hamster wheel of life. Agitation is usually the trigger and will lead to hours of rehearsing conversations in my head. I will mull over every possible angle and every possible response to exhaustion. When I find myself stuck, I will look for distractions. I will go so far as to pursue laundry and dishes to get the hamster wheel to stop. Later, I fall into bed exhausted only to have the wheel start spinning again. I am instantly wide awake and unable to shut down for the night.
This happened a few nights ago. I was revved up and could not get my thoughts to slow down. I was rehashing everything while at the same time thinking that I desperately need to fall asleep. I decided to try mindfulness and focused on my breathing. This lasted about five seconds and I was off again. I tried again. Failed. I tried thinking about other things. Failed. I tried putting a pillow over my head which usually always works (and I have no idea why). Failed. I prayed and asked God to help me fall asleep. Failed. Then I heard the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit, “Trust God.” Hmmm, I think I trust God, so what do I do with this. I reflected on this Proverb.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).
Then it hit me. If I really believe that I trust God, then I need to start declaring it. I began declaring all the ways I trusted God.
I trust God in this situation;
I trust God with my marriage;
I trust God with my children;
I trust God with my work;
I trust God with my family members struggling with health issues;
I trust God my health;
I trust God with my weight;
I trust God with my writing;
I trust God…
The list went on. My brain slowed down, and I fell asleep declaring that I trust God. I woke with a sense of peace and not tired like I expected. Sometimes, I need to remind my brain what my heart already knows. I lean not on my own understanding. He will make my path straight. Stress can so easily hijack our thoughts and our bodies. This was a simple way of grounding myself in His word and promise.
Are you hijacked by stress? Does your mind jump on the hamster wheel? God and His word bring us promises that can restore our minds and bring peace to the soul. Are you willing to try it?
How does God and scripture help you navigate life’s stresses? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.
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I trust that God’s love will shine
I trust God to cover my friend’s sorrow and grief.
I trust God to lead my congregation; to cover my failures in grace and forgiveness.
I trust….
Yes!! These are great additions. I am really resonating with trusting God to cover a friend’s sorrow and grief. Thank you.