Under Pressure...
Finding Peace, Steadfastness, and Faith in a Volatile World Between upcoming elections, ongoing pandemic controversies, and an unpredictable economy, has it not been a volatile week, month, and year? For many, the relentless barrage of information is enough to make you feel like you're losing your mind. This honest reflection explores how external pressures can cause even the most optimistic among us to struggle with anger, frustration, and despair. By recognizing the source of this hostility—constant exposure to conflicting news and opinions—we can learn to shut everything off, retreat to our "prayer closet," and center ourselves in God. James 1:12 reminds us that "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial," encouraging us to be still, be kind, and watch the wonders of God unfold even when the world feels as though it's collapsing.
Has it not been a volatile week, month and year! With the elections coming around in days, the Covid19 controversy and the economy rising and falling its enough to make you lose what's left of your mind!
I've found myself experiencing different moods at various times. The mood that seemed to control my days was anger and frustration. I couldn't understand where these emotions were coming from. By nature I tend to be upbeat, positive and always optimistic, but lately I noticed the slightest infraction during my day sent my internal temperature to the moon! I was snapping at everyone and discounting every positive thing around me. I felt the pressure, and knew I had to sit and get myself centered. But first I had to determine where my anger was coming from before I could confront it.
After contemplating my attitude, I started thinking about my actions. What was I doing (daily) that brought about the hostility and anger I felt. It occurred to me that I was watching the news daily, reading political opinions, and absorbing conflicting information about the pandemic and the economy. It was too much to take in. I had to shut everything off, meditate and pray.
If like me you find yourself with an overwhelming sense of despair remember that the adversary can and will attack from all directions. If or when these moods hit you, I want to encourage you to find those that pray with and for you. Remember to find your "closet" and meditate with prayer. It may seem as if the world is collapsing around us, but be still and watch the wonders of God. Be kind to each other and most importantly, be kind to yourself.
S.K. Caraway, Director
thesonyakarolfoundation.org
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
1 Peter 1:6-7
In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.