There has been a lot of change. And the ripples of that change are moving outward from COVID isolation to decisions around jobs, relationships, where to live, how one does church or business and many more.
In Part 1 of this three part series, we explored one idea of “why” change tends to create more change, especially in our times. But focusing on the “why” of a problem is only half the solution.
But focusing on the “why” of a problem is only half the solution.
We also need to have an idea of what is going on. What is at work in the midst of this? How can we grow a nonanxious presence in such times? And that’s where we head next.
Psalm 46: A Biblical Picture for Times of So Much Change
As you know (probably too well), times of upheaval happen. In such moments, it seems like suddenly the ground has dropped out from under us. It can occasionally be good but most often it is experienced in pain felt in various ways whether emotionally, physically, mentally, or relationally.
The kind of upheaval we’ve been exploring in this series is captured in Psalm 46. It begins with a huge hope. The first verse give a sense of God Himself being foundational. Not just what He does or provides — who He is.
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.”
Other images of this may come to mind like classic pictures of a rock in the storm. Reminding yourself who God is in the midst of such times is important.
Who He is grounds a unique description. I’ve always appreciated the wording “ever-present”. (Capture other senses of it here.) We don’t speak in such ways but it captures a sense of meaning beyond what a single word can give us. Something about the unusual wording captures God’s unusual, mysterious ways.
- Never far from our challenges, no matter what we feel.
- His presence is not just in some places.
- Not limited to a particular time or moment.
He is just there. It’s simple but comforting.
But the relief of this verse is felt in what follows. As the biblical writers so often captured well, a great image of what such times can seem like is given in verses 2-3.
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.”
Ever felt times like that? I can honestly say I’ve had more than a few. It feels like when you fall or get hit in such a way that the wind gets knocked out of you. You grapple and your chest heaves trying to get a breath. In such times, you seem blind to what to do or what is going on.
- The norms are broken.
- Nothing seems to be reasonable.
- Brief moments begin to feel like forever.
What do we do with the fear or overwhelm?
Two Choices in Fear
What is the “fear” in this section? You likely know the emotion. But what is interesting is that “fear” is a result of what is going on. The external situation is bringing this internal emotion. So, in the midst of this, we have a choice.
- We can be reactive. Let the circumstances change our thinking or emotions. Or more accurately, dictate them.
- We can be responsive. This doesn’t mean ignoring what is going on or the emotions caused. But you are not controlled by it either, able to engage in a prayerful intentional way.
To be responsive — rather than reactive — is the idea of not having anxiety, however large or small, dictate how you live. The system’s idea (and Christian maturity expression) of differentiation of self is core to this. It is described when one is acting maturely expressed in a sense of connection with others/situations but also hold a sense of one’s own thoughts/decisions. In the midst of the outside world, the person brings a nonanxious presence.
To be responsive — rather than reactive — is the idea of not having anxiety, however large or small, dictate how you live.
For the follower of Jesus, this is grounded in a healthy spiritual life, especially in the midst of change or anxiety. How do we get there?
Next Time: A Practical Tip
Grounding ourselves in God helps bring that nonanxious presence for others. How can a follower of Jesus take a step toward this kind of nonanxious presence and maturity? Next time we will explore some practical spiritual direction to step into that. (And, if you missed it, catch part one on why change tends to ripple out and its key dynamic.)
Check Out Parts 1 and 3:
- Part 1 explores why change seems to ripple in more change and the key dynamic that prompts it.
- Part 2 explores two key responses people can choose and need to be aware of in change. We also see how well Psalm 46 captures the experience and ideas of change.
- Part 3 gives direction from Psalm 46 for growing in nonanxious presence and offers a practical spiritual exercise to grow in having peace in life’s storms.
