Hiding to Persevere
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4 NIV
I vividly remember a school field trip to the New Orleans, LA Aquarium. As I walked from one wall of water to another I began to notice each fish and the many different characteristics they possessed. Standing mesmerized, trying to read the posted explanation, I was captured inexplicably by their beauty and unable to speak or move. Various colors and sizes all beyond anything I could imagine. One group of yellow fish with a blue line on the edge of their fins and accented by black dots outlined in white, caught my eye. They were so tiny. I kept thinking, “Look at all the details.” My Creator, Savior, and Master Artist designed in perfect detail these incredible creatures to be under the sea; to conceal and persevere.
This is us. Are you hiding from view because you want to be hidden? Are the stresses of seeing and interacting with people keeping you from venturing into new waters?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) nearly one in five American adults, or 43.6 million people experienced a diagnosable mental illness in 2014. With the Pandemic in our nation, I cannot imagine the current statistic.
My friend, I’m with you. I can relate to the anguish of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and how this affects us. My mother rarely left her house. Getting her hair done once a week was a necessity like drinking water. Going to eat with our family brought her terrible anxiety. She was thankful once she went; however, the battle to get her to go was a struggle. It was rare for her to give in and accompany us. Having coerced my imperfect grand for decades, I am the one struggling to not fall in her footsteps.
My prayer is for us to let God steer our fear. May we allow God to be our Master and give Him control of all areas of our life. When we allow God to steer, He will relieve our fear.
He is my Creator, Savior, and Master Artist that my parents named Judy. My hope is you will invite Him to be the same for you. He created you. The wonderful person your parents named ____________________. (Insert your name.)
Lord of Heaven and Earth, you chose to communicate with us. Your word says in Psalms we are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. Your manifestation of these gorgeous creatures under the sea give us ‘Hope’ for tomorrow. How much you love all your creations. You desire for us to come to you with our hurts, needs, requests, and petitions. As we persevere, guide us to not allow our fear to overshadow our intimacy with you.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV
- Focus on knowing yourself and your intimidators. What pushes your fear button? What causes you to be anxious or makes you retreat to name a few?
- What are your coping methods? Do you breathe deeply; send up a quick prayer for help, recite scripture or have a buddy you can visit with.
- Pray, Pray, PRAY! Above all else, take your requests to the throne of Grace. Ask Him to show you coping strategies. Please sign our prayer page with any requests you are comfortable sharing so we may share your concerns and join you in taking your requests to the Lord.
I am thrilled you are following my blog, imperfectlygrand.com. Imperfectly Grand will
guide you and inspire you to keep your family connected through life’s struggles
and triumphs. If you have friends who would find our discussion on depression helpful, have them join my blog as well!
More coming…
Take Care Because God and I Care,
Judy
