Dig deeper
Last week for this wellness message, I reminded us that we sometimes need to “take a moment” (take a break) to relax, refocus, or regroup. When stress catches up with us, taking a moment can be an effective way to accomplish those three R’s. But sometimes taking a moment isn’t enough and we need to dig deeper.
If we’re carrying a heavy burden, how do we dig deeper?
When we carry a heavy load, a burden which threatens to imprison us with despair, we need to dig deeper to reveal the source. What do I mean by a load of despair?
- Perhaps we experienced childhood trauma that still burdens us today.
- We’re mourning the loss of a loved one and sorrow is overwhelming.
- We’re carrying the crushing load of unforgiveness.
- We’re facing a difficult decision that seems to have no positive outcome.
- Any burden that is heavy on your body, mind, and heart.
How do we dig deeper to find the root of our anxiety, fear, and despair?
It’s important for us to reflect on the burdens we carry that cause increased anxiety and worry. These burdens can negatively affect our relationships with others, interfere with our ability to function well in our job, contribute to depression, and lead to risky behaviors (unhealthy use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products; poor eating habits; isolation; thoughts of harming ourselves or others).
Some ways to reflect, consider the load we carry, and develop strategies to ease the burden:
- Meet with a counselor or psychologist.
- Talk with our pastor or Christian mentor.
- Delve into Bible study and designate quiet time with God.
- Develop habits which allow time for quiet reflection (walking, meditating, listening to music, etc.).
- Be more physically active.
You probably think my solution to every problem is to take a walk…
Consider the benefits–Walking and other physical activity provide multiple benefits to help our physical and mental health.
- During physical activity our brain releases endorphins that boost our feeling of well-being.
- Regular physical activity helps us feel better, improves our overall wellness, contributes to a better quality of life.
- Being physically active helps us maintain a healthier weight, improving our self esteem.
However, by far, the most important and effective way to dig deeper into those burdens that have created a heavy load, is to strengthen our relationship with our Savior. Delving into God’s Word, studying scriptures that remind us of God’s great love for us, and spending quiet time with God, not only helps us carry our burdens through the hard times, but we are able to accept our Savior’s gift of taking those burdens away–Our Lord grants us freedom from the burdens holding us in captivity.
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus reminded the people of His purpose:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19
Our Lord came to set us free from the bondage of sin, and from fear, anxiety, and the burden of despair.
Are you carrying a load of anxiety and despair? Are burdens from the past weighing heavy upon your heart?
My hope and prayer is that we all can reflect on our loads and lighten them by a renewed relationship with our Savior.
Taking a walk always helps–physical activity plus alone time with God.
Taking a walk is good for the spirit and the body. Thanks, Katherine! God bless!
I agree, Nancy. Today was just right for a walk, warm and sunny–a day to let our problems go as we walk through God’s creation. And the spring flowers are sprouting! Wishing you blessings!
Digging deeper into the root of our anxiety and depression is the only solution to the problem. We must go to the source in order to destroy those roots, rather than simply medicating symptoms. The deeper we dig, the more treasures we unearth about the character of God. He is our remedy for all that ails us. Thanks, Katherine!
Your words are so insightful, Barbara. Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom. I want to dig deep and know my Father. He is the remedy. Thank you, my friend. Joy and blessings!
A long walk may not always make things better, but it does have a way of bringing things into perspective, doesn’t it? Another great post Ms. Katherine.
I often do my best thinking when walking, J.D. whether it be solving a plot issue in my ongoing novel or working out a problem by talking to God. Thank you for your encouragement, kind sir. Wishing you good health and blessings, my friend.
A walk is a great way to spend talking with the Lord. I have to force myself to go, but it is always worth the effort!
Yes, somedays I have to drag myself to walk or exercise, but the reward is always worth the effort. And as you remind us, walking is a wonderful way to talk with our Lord. Wishing you peace and blessings, Sylvia.