I have an ulcer. I’m in pain, and some people say it’s my own fault. This upsets me. I don’t want to hear it!
I woke up at 2 AM last night and mulled it over… and over… and over. I tossed and turned till 6 AM . It made my stomach churn even more. As the morning light crept into my room, I gave in to the idea…
Maybe it is my fault.
I don’t mean for it to happen, but somehow it keeps happening. I start doing something – a job, a project, a club. And before I know it, I’ve agreed to do too many things, and I’m overwhelmed with commitment.
I’m not doing bad things. More often than not – I’m helping someone. But If I’m honest with myself, I have to admit that I say “yes” even when the little voice in the back of my head says, “Are you sure about this?”
I say “yes” because I can’t seem to say “no” because another voice inside my head says, “You can’t let people down! Everything will fall apart! You can’t let that happen. Just push yourself harder!”
Then I’m trapped. I’m compelled to keep my word – even if it kills me! That makes my stomach churn… Ouch!
There is a better way, and I know it. It’s summed up in two verses:
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 your path straight.~Proverbs 3:5-6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.~Philippians 4:6-7
When I live by these principles – they work. My problem is… I’m like a person who throws a boomerang and forgets about it until comes back and hits me in the head – or in this case, hits me in the stomach.
When things are going well, I get comfortable and slide back to my old stressed-out ways. But the message my body is giving me is this: “Slow down, eat right, and take care of yourself or you won’t be able to help anyone!”
Besides, I can’t help everyone. That’s something only God can do!
Dear Lord, help me be still so I can hear Your voice over the din of noise in my own head. Please guide my path and give me wisdom to know when I’m supposed to help people, and when I need to let go and let them learn for themselves. Give me Your peace to calm my heart, mind, and stomach… And most of all, thank You for loving me enough to teach me this lesson… and for being patient enough to remind me of it – over and over again! Amen.
