Ever been stress paralyzed? You become so overwhelmed with not just a few things in your life, but the sum of everything consuming your life that you literally can't move. Today was that kind of day.
I was told over the summer by a friend that I showed so much self-control and patience when stressful situations occurred. I laughed. While I'd like to think that I can keep it together when things get crazy, the truth is that I am freaking out on the inside-stress paralyzed, but to proud to let it show.
Paralysis seems to set in the hardest when faced with big, hard decisions or when faced with things close to my heart. Combine the two and I begin to literally unravel-drinking orange juice straight from the jug and eating peanut butter straight from the jar, for example.
All I have to say, is the Lord must be cooking up some kind of wonderful, because the unraveling has officially begun.
There are countless stories I have read regarding many who are actually paralyzed. In many of the stories, they could feel, but couldn't move. Sound familiar? Can you feel everything going on around you, yet can't seem to find the strength, the courage, or even the motivation to take that first step to keep moving?
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 3:5-6 has, over the years, become one of my favorite pieces of scripture.The words serve as a source of accountability for me in my own life. In stress-paralyzing, unraveling times, these words bring not just feeling back into my life, but also give me the strength, courage and motivation to continually keep moving. When uncertainty looms, this verse pushes me to put one foot in front of the other. To walk by faith and not become overwhelmed just by emotions.
Choosing to take that first step, despite the unraveling feeling inside, is a declaration that I am confidently and unashamedly trusting in the Lord. Choosing to continually place one foot after another is a declaration that I not only trust in the Lord, but trust in him with all my heart (and my feet).
Giving the situations and circumstances that drive me to drink the orange juice minus the cup, is hard, but the promise that, "...he will make your paths straight", is well worth it.
While taking that first step may be one small accomplishment for some, it is one giant leap of faith. Trusting in the Lord with all your heart is one of the most difficult, and yet one of the most rewarding acts of faith we can do. If you are like me, sometimes that first step is unbelievably scary, and even the one after that, but its in those steps of faith and trust that the stress paralyzing, unraveling moments begin to fade and the once unclear path you were walking becomes a little more clear.
So put the orange juice down and the peanut butter away, (yes, I'm talking to myself). Take a deep breath and get moving.
