Refuge and Strength
When it comes to our WELLNESS we need to begin in a place of PEACE. A place of CALM. It is from this PLACE where a STRONG FOUNDATION is built. One that can withstand every storm of life both literally and figuratively.
When we experience chronic STRESS our IMMUNE system, DIGESTIVE system and our METABOLIC system turn off. Our body goes into FIGHT, FLIGHT or FREEZE. Our adrenaline and cortisol rise and we suddenly can not differentiate between real and imagined stress. Perhaps you can relate. Have you ever experienced illness, digestive issues and/or inability to lose weight when your body is in the sympathetic state(stress)? This is for good reason.
HOWEVER, I have some beyond AMAZING NEWS! When our AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM is working as designed, guess what happens? We experience optimum nutrient absorption, our body DIGESTS and our METABOLIC and IMMUNE systems also turn on and can begin to operate properly.
You may ask, “ HOW is this possible when my REALITY is far from PEACE and CALM though?”
Well that brings me to two important TREASURES I want to leave you with today. A PLACE of REFUGE and OUR BREATH.
Often we’re told that WE ARE ENOUGH. Have you seen the mugs, memes, and signs stating this thought? I AM ENOUGH. Well that my friend is A LIE. NO judgment here. I believed it too for a season until I realized it simply wasn’t true. What a heavy load to carry. Does this resonate with you at all? Have you believed that YOU are all you need and lived accordingly?
On my own I AM NOT ENOUGH. With JESUS THEN and only THEN am I MORE THAN ENOUGH. Do you know why? I need a REFUGE. I NEED STRENGTH. I can go only so long on my own devices and it’s not very far before I find myself flat on my face.
Look around you. You may not have to look too far. We live in a world filled with desperate and hurting people. I know because I was one of them. When I try doing it all on my own again, I’m very quickly reminded of this beautifully designed need for Jesus, MY TRUE SOURCE.
HE GIVES me a PEACE that passes all understanding. A PEACE that rises above my CIRCUMSTANCES. HE is my SAFE HAVEN. He gives me the STRENGTH for the NEXT STEP. THIS is the first TREASURE.
Psalms 46:1-2
God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
What picture does the word REFUGE create for you? More than likely, you envision a safe haven. A sanctuary where all FEAR and ANXIETY is released. You know beyond a shadow of a doubt you are safe here from all harm and true rest is your companion. You are not the source of your strength in this place. HE is your STRENGTH here in THIS VERY MOMENT whatever that MOMENT may bring.
In this verse in Psalms we are reminded of something similar. With God as our REFUGE, we have absolutely no reason to FEAR despite even the grave image of the earth breaking apart and the mountains moving into the sea.
DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES and yet EVEN then we need NOT FEAR because we KNOW that God is our refuge and strength and PRESENT WITH US in the heart of our trials and despair.
As a Christian I know THIS EARTH is not my home. This is not my end, no matter what happens in this earthly realm. Though my flesh may cling to these normalities I know that what awaits me is greater than any dream I dare dream. He replaces any and all FEAR with JOY.
So what is your current “trouble”? The world is in desperate need and quite literally feels as if it’s falling apart at the seams. Tragedies leaving many with immense grief, unimaginable losses and heavy burdens too great to bear alone.
Perhaps your trouble is HEALTH RELATED. Regardless of the level, variety or degree of your BURDENS you have a place of REFUGE and STRENGTH awaiting you if you desire.
ALLOW HIM to be YOUR REFUGE and STRENGTH! Run to HIM. ABIDE in HIM. RELEASE your FEARS. TRUST in Him. You will find Him to be FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY.
TRUSTING in Him fully is a direct outcome of having an intimate relationship with Jesus. It takes time and practice releasing what you’ve held onto for years and believed you were the only one who could fix. It takes intention spending time with the Lord and learning to trust Him at His WORD. I promise you THIS, you will NEVER EVER REGRET allowing Him to be your REFUGE and STRENGTH. Just talk to Him. There is no perfect here. Just show up. Just call on His name.
And the last TREASURE I wanted to leave you with today? The gift of OXYGEN. Your very own life giving BREATH. You know the stress we discussed earlier? This treasure is also FREE and available anywhere at anytime.
Using this BREATH, we can access the PARASYMPATHETIC state. The state of CALM where these crucial systems are working as so BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED.
So let’s practice it together in this very moment. INHALE 5 deep breaths, HOLD for 7, SLOW EXHALE for 8 breaths. Do THIS as often as necessary and pay attention to what begins to show up for YOU.
If you’re reading this, then know that I’ve prayed for you and there’s a reason you’re here today.
I am sending you all LIGHT and LOVE as your journey through this week.