“The Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:22
Freak Out Moments
I recently watched a video by Louie Giglio: “It’s Okay to Freak Out.” I’ve attached it at the end if you’d like to listen to it. In his unique, practical, and insightful communication style, Louie talks about something that many are experiencing in the coronavirus pandemic. Freaking out! I appreciate his realness. There’s no pretense, no facade, no running from what we’re facing. There will be some freaking out that we all face. I love when he says that it’s okay to visit a freak out moment, but we just don’t move in.
I’ve had a couple “freak out” moments. Thank goodness I recognized them for what they were, and was able to turn to the Lord for His help right away. I didn’t move in!
The first one was in the initial couple days of my going into isolation. I’ve had times of being totally alone before, so, in a sense, this wasn’t a new experience for me. But something about going into this time—not knowing how long it would be, not knowing when it would end, realizing that I’m totally alone and on my own—that brought some freak out emotions with it. I felt very isolated!
I had to rein in my emotions, those feelings of uncertainty. I had to speak out the truth of not being totally alone—God has never left my side. I had to submit afresh my future to the Lord. I had to step into a walk of deeper communication with Him since no one else is around. I had to face the reality of this being a season that I’ve never walked in before.
I reminded myself that I’ve had more than four years of facing one crisis after another since that traumatic day when Floyd fell ill. One time I started making a list of everything I’ve had to face, and I stopped myself because the list was getting so long and it felt negative to even dwell on it. But in each of those situations, God has been there for me—so why would I have any concern about Him helping me in this new season? Thankfully I was able to get my equilibrium back. The freak out moment passed.
My second freak out moment came a few weeks later when I heard a report of how close the virus is to our home—physically close with cases being diagnosed. I felt insecure, vulnerable, exposed. I knew those feelings weren’t of the Lord, and I very quickly turned to Him. I spoke out my trust in His protection. I quoted verses about Him being my Rock, my Refuge, my strong tower to run to. A peace and sense of His watch-care over me flooded my heart.
I may have other freak out moments along the way. I don’t know how long I’ll be in this isolation. But I know I can go to Him each time and find fresh rest in Him.
Father, You don’t rebuke us when we have a freak out moment. You clasp our hand and tell us it’s going to be okay. We hold tightly to Your faithful hand!
*To listen to Louie Giglio’s message click here. It is about 38 minutes long.
Hugs, Sally! Being ‘alone’ is never easy, BUT we are NEVER alone! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the Comforter!
Thanks for reminder! Amen!