Trapped in a Bottle

Do you ever feel like you are a shaken pop bottle, about to explode? I mean, so crammed full of emotion, you are about to burst?

So many times, it begins with one main stress.

This stress could be anything from an ongoing project you’ve been working on, and can’t wait to get done, to a difficult relationship with a friend or family member.

When this stress refuses to disappear, lingering for what may seem like a lifetime, there’s more.

The car dies.

Your kids throw the biggest temper tantrum, to date.

Your boss gives you “constructive criticism,” but really means you messed up big time.

You get that call, a family member is in the hospital.

You and your spouse get into an argument.

Stress, stress stress…shake, shake, fizz!

Pretty soon, the stress and pressure turn into numbness, absent-mindedness, and major fatigue.

Now, what is little, becomes huge! What is petty, becomes pinnacle. You holding everything in, becomes an explosion…usually causing the most innocent of casualties.
BOLD & Beautiful

So why do we do this? I know I am not the only one, who periodically goes through these cycles of bottled up emotion.

Lack of trust. That’s it? Yes, it’s that simple.

In these times, at least personally speaking, I struggle the most when I lack trust in God.

In these times, my heart is distant, rebellious, and prideful, but most of all fearful. So much so, I try to take control of my circumstances, to find some sort of security.
BOLD & Beautiful

When I stop looking to God for my peace, wisdom, provision, and guidance, my bottle sure get’s shaken up ten times faster!

I am the first to admit I’m still learning this trust lesson.

Things will be “all good,” and my “I’ll take it from here” attitude rises to the surface. I hope someday, I will finally have this lesson down.

For now, I must recommit my mind, body, and soul to God. I must recommit my time, energy, and resources to God’s will and work, not mine.

When I stop relying on God for help in every aspect of my life, I am stealing His throne, His glory, and His role in my life.

How dare I think I can outdo God! Whoa!!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.“
Proverbs 3:5-12 ESV

God, I pray you forgive me for trying to take control of my life, on my own, and not trust you with it. You are a perfect, loving, good, and faithful God, who is trustworthy.

Please forgive me for not living Your will, and not fully depending on You as my Savior and Lord. You don’t need a sidekick, you need a servant. I love you and am so thankful to be called your child. Amen.