Originally published Monday, 02 July 2018.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
This is that look that you get when you are about to flip out! You're trying to compose yourself before you blow up either because something is not going as planned or someone did something that just didn’t make sense! Really, it could be a number of things, especially if you’re hurt or overwhelmed. Simply stated, this look is all about trying everything within you to practice self-control before you break or lose it for a second or two.
Have you ever been there before? Are you there now? In this post, I'm going to talk to you about what to do when you feel like you're about to flip out and how to maintain your composure.
For starters, let me just say that I've totally been there! This image is me! And before I even thought about writing this post, I had a real moment where I felt like I was about to flip out, sis. Seriously! LOL!
It was a particular Saturday morning when I’d laid out my perfect To-Do-List, and I was ready to tackle it. However, right after I completed my prayer and devotional time, I looked at that list and realized that I had a lot of things to check off – but, when I looked around, I knew that I needed to clean up my house. Ugh!
But I really wanted to tackle MY list! My beautifully crafted schedule was about to be ruined. I felt the pressure. I felt the mess closing in on me (so dramatic, right?). I felt overwhelmed. I knew that these people in my house would eventually become hungry and look to me to have something cooked. I felt like I was about to flip out, sis!
But the Holy Spirit...
Whew!
Mind you, I had already prayed and asked the Lord to order my steps in His word and all that He wanted me to do for that day. And when I looked back at my list, my housework was in fact listed as well. So, guess what? The Lord answered. He was saying, “Clean up. Get the house in order.” I couldn’t help but put my face in my hands and say, “You’re right, Lord. It’s a housecleaning day.” And what did I do? I called in my troops (my kiddos), and we went to work…on the house.
Here’s the thing, sis. God knows everything that’s going on in your world. He knows everything that’s going to happen in your day…including how many things you’re going to actually check off on your To-Do-List. So don’t flip out! The remedy to not flipping out is realizing that you really aren't in control and that the fruit of the Spirit, which is found in Galatians 5:22-23 is within grasping distance. The one needed here is the fruit of self-control and maybe patience with yourself.
So, if you’re angry, I get it. But try not to flip out. Breathe. Think on good things. Renew your mind. Take a break. Walk away. Take a ride. Stop, drop, and pray. The biggest thing is DON'T let the anger control you or cause you to have an angry outburst.
The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:26-27, “And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.” And Galatians 5:20 says, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear…hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outburst of anger…” and the list goes on. The Word has power and can really help us when we feel like flipping out. Plus, the Holy Spirit is right there to remind us of these very words and give us peace in the heat of the moment.
Listen. I want to also say here that if you’ve already flipped out, I get that too. Because I’ve totally been there before. How do you think I know about this stuff? ;-) But here’s what you do. Repent. In other words, acknowledge the fact that you let the situation get the best of you and you flipped out. Tell the Lord that you’re sorry for disobeying His word on letting anger control you in that moment. Ask Him to help you in the future to practice self-control. This is all about spiritual maturity, growth, and sanity! Sis...
I’ll tell you, the word of God combined with the help of the Holy Spirit will help you. The key is pausing and yielding to them. And even though I know that’s not always easy, try it, anyway. ;-) This will help you and me when we feel like flipping out!
Oh, and in the end…we got the house cleaned up and I realized that cleaning was God’s plan for that day (not work). It actually felt really good to have a sparkling clean house (I broke out the lemon fresh Pine-sol and all sister-friend). The result - I had a happy hubby, food cooked, and a clean work and living space for the upcoming week. WOOHOO! Father truly does know best. So, don’t flip out, sis. He’s got it all figured out! Just breathe, relax, and follow His lead.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
QUESTION: Have you ever felt like you wanted to just flip out, sis? Again, are you there now? Do you need someone to stand in the gap with you in prayer on it? If you so, you can email me directly @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you and praying for you.
ALSO, my NEW 8-Week Study Guide and Video Teaching Series from my book, "IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ & Moving Forward in Your Purpose” is FINALLY available!!! Purchase here.
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