Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night and wondered what it was that woke you up? I am sure all of us have been there, done that, and then wondered what it was all about!
Most of the time, at least for me, it’s an unsettled feeling about something going on, and the subconscious is not sufficiently settled in to handle it without conscious thought.
Hence. We wake up.
I’ve been through periods where I woke at the same time every morning for weeks on end. 2:38 A.M. Then, the weeks passed, and it happened no more.
What was so special about the time? Nothing. Why wake up now? No idea. Can I fix it so it doesn’t happen? I sure hope so! This gets old quickly!
It’s Happening Again
Through the past few weeks, as we approached the Summer Solstice, I started waking earlier and earlier. 4 A.M. seems to beckon every morning. Though I am a morning person, I don’t like to get started too early because the day still has much “stuff” happening, and I want to be sharp.
Why is it happening now? I sure wish I knew!
It’s not been a year yet, but it’s getting closer to that anchoring point of strangeness. From my sister to my dad, then retirement, COVID-19, Isolation, Fears, BLM, Anarchy, Resurgence, Cancel Society… Name it. Add to it. I’m sure something is missing.
There are many reasons to feel unsettled, but the preponderance of evidence shows that we all feel draggy about what’s happening and wonder how to escape it.
The weight of a groaning world is tipping the balance from safety to unsettled.
On a drive to the coast yesterday, I noted all the “Evacuation Route’s” for tsunami’s. Head for the hills! Get out of the flatlands and valley funnels! Turn here!
I thought about it in my subconscious for a while. What happens if a tsunami were to come and I had no clue where the nearest evacuation route was? It’s like being on an airplane and not knowing where the nearest exit may be.
Here’s My Thought Today
Unsettled feelings are normal. We deal with them all the time. The stock market, a career move, familial changes, even wondering whether the car will start!
How do you handle them?
The Apostle Paul gives us a strongly worded hint for our benefit.
“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
The Lord is at hand;
do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:5-7 (ESV)
Notice the emphasis (mine)… Reasonableness. Anxious about nothing. In everything. Peace of God. Guard.
Could I say it like this? There is a pathway to settle your mind about what’s stressing you out! This world is not our final home, yet it is the one we enjoy. Hence, do we not want it to be a pleasant experience?
Europe has reopened it’s border to day, but no one from the USA is allowed. Why? We are still unsettled with the virus. States are locking down. Occupation by a movement is still gripping our news cycles. And we’re moving into the summer storm season of hurricanes and tornadoes…
Are we ready?
No!
What Do We Do?
Paul did give us an answer.
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
Prayer. Supplication. Thanksgiving.
Is it really this easy? Prayer, for me, is taking the burden off my shoulders and presenting it to God. He handles things so much better than I do! Supplication is my approach. I can’t handle it. You can. Please help me. Thank you, Lord!
The real key revolves around our actions and includes the all-encompassing word: “Everything” from the smallest to the most significant struggle. Do not hang on to anything, but give it all to Him. Everything. When it’s out of your hands and being dealt with by him, only then can you find that Peace that passes all understanding.
The weight of a groaning world is tipping the balance from knowing safety to suddenly and constantly feeling unsettled. Click To TweetPeace Like A River
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
It is well
With my soul
It is well; it is well with my soul
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
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