We all have them. Those tough weeks that seem to just build upon themselves. These can lead to either a letting go over the weekend or, a compounding of troubles if we let them. When they compound we can find ourselves at a low point where we just begin to feel like we are at the bottom of a dogpile
8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; (2 Corinthians 4:8 NKJV)
I have never really been claustrophobic, but if there was one thing that I actively avoided as a kid was ending up on the bottom of a dogpile. Those times when I found myself buried under the crush of good natured game play or angry juvenile aggression I panicked. I mean, everything in me kicked in and my only goal in life at that moment was to get out from under that pile of bodies and I did not care who got hurt in my thrashing to get out. Fight and flight were both fully engaged.
I think we have times like this in life where the dogpile just gets too intense and fight or flight seem to be our only out. But I am here to tell you that many times neither will get you where God wants you to be. You see, He is not looking for us to fight, because the fight is His. He is not looking for us to fly, because He says in scripture, “My grace is sufficient for you.” He is looking for our reliance on Him. He has put us exactly where we are to test if we will rely upon Him fully for what comes next. This is why today’s scripture is so important for our faith walk.
We have to actively remember that God does not want to see us crushed or in despair. He wants us to turn to Him fully and give in to his guidance.
Reflect on: What, in life, puts you in a fight or flight mindset. Not from a dangerous immediate situation that triggers this response. But a slow build up to where you feel under the dogpile and are looking for a way out. Do you turn fully to God at these times?
