How NOT to drown when life gets drifty and dark and deep.
1. Admit to yourself that you are grieving and afraid. This helps make so much sense of your feelings and reactions.
2. Tether yourself to the truth that God is good and kind and wise … which means we grieve with hope and we shall not fear. *This doesn't necessarily change one single thing in the dark and drifty deepness, but it keeps you afloat for sure.
3. Tell a trusted friend or two about your overwhelm, and ask them to pray over you. You will recognize the Holy relief - like floating hip-high in the ocean, breathing in several seconds of fresh, relaxed air before plunging back down to resume the position of neck-deep, splashy-faced water-treading.
4. Say no. Be careful not to isolate, but carefully carve out respites of time for yourself and God and maybe a choice human. A 5-minute pause can preserve your peace. A 50-minute break from perceived obligation can preserve your life.
5. Say yes. God knows your situation and I would imagine He has good stuff (glory type stuff) that He wants to help you be and do … even before there is rescue or resolution. So get golden and look for ways you can treat people in the way you need it most: reach out, pray, encourage, help.
6. Keep talking to your counselor/therapist. Objective listening, expert insight and practical strategies for growth and healing are WAY more valuable than anything else you were going to spend that money and time toward. WAY.
7. Keep moving. (Like literally stretch or take a walk even when you don't feel like it.) But also, keep going. This can't possibly last forever. Mark your calendar for 90 days from now, and call me. Even if circumstances still seem unchanged, we'll be able to look back and find more than one benefit emerging from this difficult and draining season. One blessing I would bet and bank on is that we'll know even more deeply than we do today that God never leaves and His love simply cannot fail.
