Ever had one of those days, a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day? So you pushed the snooze alarm a couple of more times... Maybe you know what's coming and you don't want to face it at all. (Do I have an example?)
Anyone felt that way this morning? (Pause) Nope, just me?!? Well, I have come across a simple exercise that usually helps. It is a stress management technique recommended in the latest psychological texts.
1. Picture yourself near a stream.
2. Birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air.
3. No one but you knows your secret place.
4. You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called "the world".
5. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
6. The water is crystal clear.
7. You can easily make out the face of the person you're holding underwater.
Sometimes we feel that way. You're not alone.
Listen to Psalm 5.
1 O Lord, hear me as I pray;
pay attention to my groaning.
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God,
for I pray to no one but you.
3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.
Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.
This is a morning prayer! It was a Psalm sung at the time of the morning sacrifice. Already King David is sighing and groaning, crying out to God.
David had those days. You need to remember that this is King David, the Giant-killer. This is David, the I-eat-Philistines-for-breakfast guy. This is David, the I'll-dance-half-naked-in-the-streets-if-I-want-to guy. This is David, anointed as a boy and stuck with God to see it come true, king of Israel. A man's man if ever there was one, killing bears and lions with his bare hands.
But this David woke up on some days and all he had for God was a groan, a lament, a soft whimpering while he lay in the fetal position in a corner. So if you've ever had confidence to conquer the world one day and then woke up the next day wondering how you possibly ever felt a shred of hope, much less confidence, let me assure you that you are not alone.
Comments