Walking through a season of profound uncertainty leads me to unhealthy coping strategies. Outside my window, green shoots burst forth, birds sing, and blossoms paint the fields and trees with lovely pastels. But at times, my pathway descends into some dark places. Sharp turns bring endless changes and status updates. My anxiety drives me into hypervigilance. Operating in fight-or-flight mode causes hope to slip out of focus, and exhaustion covers me like a heavy blanket.   

Soul-Care Strategies

In seasons of feeling powerless or out of control, author Aundi Kolber suggests some self-care practices.

• Observe your emotions with compassion.
• Engage in nurturing spiritual practices.
• Mindfully move your body- for love, not punishment.

I notice my anxiety, my concern for family members who are struggling, and my anger over some things that were done and left undone. I make space for sadness and mourning and sit in those feelings for a while.

Next, I will choose the spiritual practice of praising God without knowing the outcome.

Perhaps it will help me remember that God sees the end of this story and all the stories that make up my life and everyone else’s. He not only considers the outcomes, but he shapes them for his good purpose.  

As I mindfully move my body on a walk today, I will observe God’s displays of beauty right outside my door. Psalm 67 will prompt my prayers of praise and petition.

Vessel of Blessing

1May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
(Psalm 67:1-3 ESV)

God, you are gracious and seek to bless us. Please help me to see the flickers of grace in every situation. Reveal the ways I can be your vessel of blessing to the community where you have placed me.

Choosing Praise

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity
    and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you!
(Psalm 67:4-5 ESV)

Forgive me for being quick to judge and generous in my desire to guide when these burdens are yours. Let me rest in your authority and the knowledge that I don’t know all the motivations and mitigating factors involved.  I am likely better off for it. Instead, I can join a chorus of praise for your kindness, equity, and wisdom. In obedience, I will praise you before seeing the outcome of my difficulties.

God Reigns

6 The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us; let all the ends of the earth fear him!
(Psalm 67:6-7 ESV)

In Spring, you have surrounded me with solid evidence of your ability to grow, renew, and increase all around me. Help these clear and present reminders to instill in my heart and mind the knowledge that you reign over all of the earth and everyone in it. Nothing escapes your notice or is untouched by your hand. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

How about you? How do you handle uncertain times? Do you have prayers or spiritual practices you use?