No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it,but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead… – Philippians 3:13
photo credit: Wendy Longo photography via photopin cc
During childbirth with my first son, I learned a very valuable technique for keeping as calm as possible in a painful situation. It actually even helped the pain to feel less intense. Now I will say, this was childbirth, people, it hurt. And at some point even this technique was useless, but I was surprised with how far it got me!
I was thinking about that the other day, in conjunction with another constant problem I have, which is letting go of my old life and abilities. Yes, again. Life is like that, isn’t it? We continually have to beat down the same old demons.
The technique I used was something I read (don’t remember where) that if you keep your face smooth and your hands loose, it will help the pain and will help you be able to stay calm for longer. This is a perfect technique for someone with a problem letting go, isn’t it??
Here I sit, dreams tightly grasped in my fists, white-knuckling it through the pain of the birth of something new that God is doing in me.
In the grip of that pain, techniques to help are not something that come readily to mind. I must focus and remind myself constantly. I must check my face and hands, my breathing, to ensure that they are following my own instructions.
Breathe in, breathe out, in pattern that is differing dependent on the level of pain. Keep your breaths steady, breathe away the pain.
He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need. – Acts 17:25
Keep your face smooth, your eyes lightly closed in trust. Refuse to grimace, don’t furrow your brow. Let your face be a placid and peaceful beacon in the midst of your storm.
When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I shall seek.” – Psalm 27:8
Now lay your hands lightly in your lap. Keep the fingers relaxed. Refuse to make a fist, release your grip. Let the old slip through your fingers, and keep your hands open for the new.
Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19
Faithful Father, thank you for making me new. I am so sorry that I am sometimes such a stubborn creature. Help me to keep my grip loose today, so that I can see what this new moment will bring. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Absolutely ♡ this post! It speaks to the conscious decision to surrender every moment to the Lord and how utterly impossible that feels for me all too often throughout my day. Why? Because I have to make a conscious decision to let go, release the moment and surrender. I was JUST having this conversation with my cardiologist today about how I have a mindfulness app on my phone that goes off at various times throughout the day…except for the multiple times a week I forget to take my phone off silent mode…so much for mindfulness. :/
This post speaks to that very point. We MAKE a conscious effort – all too often with ease – to control our lives…and never notice why we are hitting so much emotional resistance from within. But somehow we find it difficult to MAKE a conscious effort to bring attention to our resistance to let go and allow God to step in. Just 2 nights ago I was at the chiropractic neurologist and he gave my body the opportunity to rectify what it was capable of rectifying through the means of cranial sacral. This is not in any way adjustments of any kind but rather very light touch to the area in need of attention. He and I together simply sat quietly and focused our attention on my body in silence. It’s amazing how the conscious effort to STOP and LET GO of all thoughts brought SO much peace and balance to my body. I wanted to stay in that “space” forever…and I wondered why I felt I needed to be THERE with the doctor to achieve that “space”… I left feeling renewed and rejuvenated … but doubtful. ..doubtful of MY ability to achieve that space on my own…my face, hands and eyes and body soon went back to clenching in fear and anxiety over night and I would not even know where to begin to get back to that space on my own…but YET I HAVE done it …. IN PRAYER!..but not often. My mind races in prayer, I think of my to-do list for the day, etc in the midst of trying to find…peace in the presence of God. So, needless to say, I found it interesting that I trusted the doctor to lead me to this place of peace…but just struggle to let go and let God lead me in the discomfort of the silence I sit in during prayer…When I can sit still long enough TO pray! …Bottom line – I ♡ this post! 🙂 Well done, my friend#
Oh, Claudia, I can so relate to what you were saying! When I wrote this post I was definitely speaking directly to myself! Like you, I wonder why I have such a hard time finding that restful place and posture! Been focusing on it this week, though, and it’s definitely helping and I’m hoping it will become a habit. If only I can be patient enough, ugh, there’s that “p” word again. How is it that you say it? Oh yes, I remember….. :p
Heehee…. thanks for your encouraging comment! Love and Hugs, Shelly <3
Shelly, thank you so much for linking up with me again at Wed. in the Word. I loved reading your post and wish so much I had read it before I had my twins five years ago! the Scripture verses you picked are such powerful reminders that God is sovereign over everything in my life. He is at work in the pain! Blessings!
Thanks for stopping in, and for providing such a wonderful link-up! I’m so glad God encouraged you through the words He gave me! Wow, twins, doubly blessed!!! It comforts me, as well, to know that He is at work in my pain. Have a beautiful day! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Oh Wow! We are kindred spirits indeed!!!! The verse Isaiah 43:19 the Lord keeps leading me back to for 2 years now! Please pray for me…i’ll be praying for you!!
In Him,
MommySue
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Definitely praying, Sister!! Thank you for the prayers on my behalf! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
I absolutely love this, Shelly! I’m so glad you linked-up with this post with GROW. I know a lot of us ladies (myself included) needed to read this. I’m so glad you are joining in each week! – Kelsey
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kelsey! I’m enjoying the GROW study! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3