What to pray when you feel yourself shutting down
It’s happening–the emotional shut-down is coming!
Have you ever felt this way? I have.
Here are a couple suggestions and a prayer:
- Pace yourself to prevent feeling overwhelmed; plan down-time, with non-productive or creative activities.
- Pray and read your Bible. You need God’s presence to re-orient you within a world that never stops pressuring you.
- Talk to a professional or wise friend or mentor. Venting only feels good temporarily and then reinforces your negative outlook. Hearing the truth and believing it will set you free.
- Hang out with affirming close friends & family. Your tendency when life is tough will be to isolate yourself; that’s when the negativity grows.
And now a prayer for renewal:
Dear Lord Jesus,
You understand what it means to be tired, overwhelmed, depressed, and frustrated.
That’s how I feel.
Please guard my heart and mind, Holy Spirit,
from believing the lies that I’m not enough,
that I can’t do this,
that I should give up,
hide,
shut down,
lash out,
wallow.
That’s not who you designed me to be.
You crafted me in your image.
I bear your likeness
and am filled with the power of your Spirit
and your calling.
I am created for greatness that reflects who you are–
not who I am.
I am a living likeness of you.
That makes me brave in the face of adversity
and strong under pressure.
It makes me try again when I fail
and give you the glory when I succeed.
I will live in your strength today.
And if I do that, I will succeed in the areas you’ve planned
for me to triumph.
It’s all about you.
Thanks for reminding me of that.
It’s a good thing I decided to pray today.
I love you.
Amen.
PSALM 5:1-3–“… consider my sighing. Listen for my cry for help…. In the morning, oh Lord, you hear my voice…”
PSALM 5:1-3–“… consider my sighing. Listen for my cry for help…. In the morning, oh Lord, you hear my voice…”
