Women's Focus Ministries: Sunday Writing by Jan Andersen... 6/11/17

Today's writing is titled "FROM FIDGETING TO FEARFUL FRENZY" and is penned by Jan Andersen. She writes about the different reasons why and ways that people fidget. She then goes on to explore what happens when our troubles pile up and our response goes well beyond fidgeting. She writes, "In the scriptures God provides a better way to deal with these issues" Read on to find numerous Bible passages that give us direction.

May your day be filled with peace,
Jan and Corinne

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Today's Devotional:

"FROM FIDGETING TO FEARFUL FRENZY"

by
Jan Andersen

Lots of people fidget. The reasons for fidgeting are quite variable. It can mean a person is nervous, agitated, or sometimes simply bored. It may even be just a habit. Some believe it can be an inherited trait determined by genetics. Fidgeting can relieve stress for some, releasing nervous energy. There are also times that fidgeting can be for psychological reasons, a way to keep a person grounded in the present when they start to dissociate from reality as in PTSD. There are different ways to fidget, too. Sometimes it involves tapping a pencil or fingers, clicking a pen, playing with clothes or hair, bouncing a leg or twirling a ring. The latest craze is fidget spinners - little toys with a bearing in the middle that spins easily and continues for a very long time. Some believe the spinners help people calm themselves and stay focused, acting as a stress reliever, or at least keeping them from doing other more annoying behaviors. Some researchers even claim the spinners help people with ADHD, autism or anxiety, though experts are split on this. Schools have had to decide whether to allow the spinners to help students concentrate or to ban them due to the distraction they can cause. Seems there is a whole lotta fidgeting going on in this world!

Many things in life can cause us to be nervous, anxious or agitated. These issues can be small and annoying or all-encompassing. Even what appear to be small irritations can add up to be overwhelming troubles. Pretty soon fidgeting is of no help, and we move beyond that to fear and panic. Sometimes our problems loom so large over our heads, they cast a dark shadow over our entire existence. It can cause anger with ourselves, with others and with the world. Anger turned inward can become depression. Sometimes we try to escape uncomfortable feelings by turning to distracting or numbing activities. Things can spiral out of control leading to addictions. Much like the fidget spinners spiraling on and on, we may feel our struggles will never end. Or worse we may feel we can never be forgiven for things we have done. It may even feel as if God has abandoned us or turned against us which leaves us in despair.

In the scriptures God provides a better way to deal with these issues. He encourages us to be filled with humility and invites us to cast our anxieties upon him because he cares for us (1 Peter 5:6-7). God consoles us when we are anxious (Psalm 94:19). He desires our prayers and petitions and gives us peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). When we seek his face, he delivers us from all our fears (Psalm 34:4). As we place our trust in God, he assures us that he is with us and will guard and protect us, and He fills us with joy and peace so we overflow with hope (Romans 15:13). When we keep our thoughts focused on him, he relieves our worries and strife and gives us peace (Isaiah 26:3). We can take heart because even though we may have difficulties in this world, Jesus has overcome the world! (John 16:33). So we need to be humble, trust, pray, and keep focused on him. Peace can come from knowing there is nothing so terrible that we have done that God cannot forgive us unless we reject his Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32), and he will never abandon us but rather works all things for good for those who love him (Romans 8:28).

Illustration of the Bible Verse Romans 8:28

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for your promise to always be with us and to ultimately work all things for our good. May our anxious worrying melt into a peaceful calm as we turn to you and trust in your promises. Thank you for forgiving us when we fall into unhelpful responses. Help us to remain faithful and to witness to others of the hope you bring through your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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Song: Cast My Cares

by Finding Favour