So, last night, when I couldn't sleep and things were swimming around my head, I decided to clear my head outside. I got a fire going in the firepit, grabbed one of the soft blanket sleeping bags, and made a cup of hot tea (lemongrass).
I must have been outside for a good two hours. AHH!!! The stars were out in their beauty and the moon was shining brightly as well. Just being outdoors in the coolness of creation helped to clear my muddling mind. I enjoyed watching the wood burn and the embers blaze.
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| the fire at its best |
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| hot coals |
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| embers blazing |
"Be still, and know that I am God." ~Psalm 46:10. I was able to do that last night.
When I was done, I smelled like a campfire and it was late! However, I don't mind the smell and it was worth the time.
Today I read this in Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young:
"When many things seem to be going wrong, trust Me. When your life feels increasingly out of control, thank Me. These are supernatural responses, and they can lift you above your circumstances. If you do what comes naturally in the face of difficulties, you may fall prey to negativism. Even a few complaints can set you on a path that is a downward spiral, by darkening your perspective and mind-set. With this attitude controlling you, complaints flow more and more readily from your mouth. Each one moves you steadily down the slippery spiral. The lower you go, the faster you slide; but it is still possible to apply brakes. Cry out to Me in My Name! Affirm your trust in Me, regardless of how you feel. Thank Me for everything, though this seems unnatural--even irrational. Gradually you will begin to ascend, recovering your lost ground.
When you are back on ground level, you can face your circumstances from a humble perspective. If you choose supernatural responses this time--trusting and thanking Me--you will experience My unfathomable Peace." (p. 290)
Psalm 13:5; Ephesians 5:20
This devotion resonates within my soul as I can see that I was beginning to spiral downward. Instead, I will thank God for all these things that have been going "haywire" and not according to plan. After all, I have witnessed God work things out in God's time and God's way, so why should I let the current circumstances get me down?!?! Why can I not trust that these too will work out in God's time and way?!?! I will thank God for the learning and for the journey, for the seeds planted (in my life, if nothing else).
There is something in Sarah Young's devotion that reminds me of those concrete Alpine slides. She writes: "The lower you go, the faster you slide; but it is still possible to apply brakes." Now, when you apply that statement to an Alpine Slide, it becomes an adventure, a thrill. I LOVED those things!! We used to have one here in Chattanooga, at Raccoon Mountain. I used to go as a kid when I was a camper (and counselor) at Camp Skyline. And, even as an adult when I moved back to the area. I've been on another one in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They are thrill-rushing rides! You can definitely apply the brakes if you get going too fast, especially at the very end so you don't hit the tires at the end of the track, or the track itself. ☺
But, the downward spiral in life isn't such a thrill. In fact, it's a negative force. And, giving thanks to God is definitely a powerful remedy to regain one's level.
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| Jackson Hole |
If you get a chance for an Alpine Slide ride, take it!
If you find yourself on a downward spiral in life due to circumstances, try the advice from the devotion.
If you need to clear your mind, try getting out into creation--whether it's for a walk, a hike, camping, backpacking, a boat trip, or just sitting out by a fire.
Blessings on your journey!
~Debra
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