Kristen Henderlong

Do you ever just feel like you’re going insane?

The last few weeks I have been wrestling mentally with everything.  I haven’t posted anything here for a while. I’ve been distracted.  I have been frustrated about nothing; worried about my future; impatient with people around me.

I know you can relate to the feeling of coming to the end of yourself and asking the question, “what’s wrong with me?”  It happens to everyone.  We get in our little funks and have to snap out of it somehow.  Sometimes it lasts longer than we would like to admit.  Fair warning: It often lasts longer if you choose to be in denial about it.  I know from experience.

When I get like this it requires me to stop and do something that gets me out of my head.  I have to pray and spend time surrendering to God.  It takes time to unload my heart.  But He listens and knows my heart already.

It’s helpful to know what things or activities can usher you out of the noise.  We are all different and have been through different life experiences so it’s going to vary from person to person. If you don’t know what I mean, allow me to elaborate.  But either way, it takes practice to learn who we are and what we need.

When I say “activities or things,” I mean what helps you focus or recenter?  What helps you to get out of your head?  What settles your heart and your wavering emotions?

My top three things that I know of right now: 1). getting outside for a walk, a hike or just to sit and listen to the birds; really any activity outside. 2). Creating something appealing or useful—coloring, designing, building, rearranging, cleaning, writing, etc. 3). Quality time with people who don’t require energy from me… loved ones, friends, etc.

I am still learning about myself.  I realized recently I can be doing nothing—have little responsibilities— not be busy at all— and still feel overwhelmed because of how much my mind takes over and breeds worry/fear, confusion and uncertainty, which then causes stress.

Notice how I didn’t put prayer or reading the Bible as one of my top 3 things.  That’s because I believe those practices are nonnegotiable and applicable to every person’s life.  Those things are not unique to me and what I need.  They are crucial for all of us.  We need time with Jesus, period.  But these 3 things I mentioned are unique ways for myself to create the environment where I operate best to find rest, connect with God and calm my mind.  I am sure there are other ways or practices I can explore, but these are working for me right now.

What about you?  Can you think of the environments to help usher you into rest?

This sounds all well and good, but it would be careless of me to overlook the fact that sometimes life simply does not warrant the ability to separate from chaos.  Whatever your situation is; maybe you’re a single mom or dad.. or a married parent who is overwhelmed.  You’re constantly needed, always on guard, don’t have time to breathe let alone go for a walk.  I am sure there are many people out there whether a mother or not, who feel powerless to the constant stress.  If you’re in over your head with work, finances, abuse, regret… I see you.  God sees you.

I believe in a God who is bigger than it all.  He will not leave you or forsake you.  You will not drown in stress and chaos; especially if you turn to Him and lay it at His feet.  God created rest for a reason— because He knows we need it.  One of the 10 commandments is about rest.  He calls us to commune with Him and be restored. It doesn’t matter what you have done.  He will make a way for you.  Just ask Him and believe.  It might not look exactly how you want, but He will honor your request to find rest in Him.  I promise, because He promised.

Last week I went on 3 different hikes.  I took a break from social media.  I spent time designing some things.  I rearranged my apartment.  I laid my stress at the feet of Jesus and decided to trust Him with it.

Don’t give up.  Give yourself permission to rest.  He is faithful.

Remember: You are loved.