Making It Through The Morning After
What do we do after the big day has come and gone? The big day was overwhelming – either for us or for others, or both. It took all we had, and has left us depleted and empty. The “morning after” the big day is important; it may last for a while, but it starts with a day – and how we handle it matters.
DON’T GIVE IN TO GIVING UP
We are tempted to let the feelings of emptiness rob us of who we are and who we are in God. Remember Elijah, after his biggest day of public confrontation – after his greatest victory – felt like dying. He said to God, “I have had enough, take my life …” (1 Kings 19:4) This is the feeling of “the morning after. Acknowledge it, but don’t give up.
REST AND BE REFRESHED
God sent angelic help to Elijah, and He will often do the same for us. The angel seemed to stand by him; he encouraged Elijah to rest and to eat – to take care of himself and be replenished. We may be tempted to sit in emotional paralysis rather than begin to be refreshed. Our rest may need to start with repentance – if we realize a significant change is needed. Honesty with God is the beginning of soul recovery. “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15) We also must take time for Sabbath rest in God. Stop, and enjoy what God has done – and believe Him for our future.
STRENGTHEN YOURSELF
As soon as we are able, let's direct our attention to God. When we are depleted and filled with feelings of hopelessness, we need strength from the Lord. King and commander, David, was distressed because his men were considering stoning him to death; but “he encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) We, too, can consider not only what God has done in our lives, but also what He has said to us. We can strengthen our souls around the promises God has made to us.
CLEAN OUT THE CLUTTER
Often, surprisingly, when we are depleted we can see some things more clearly. We can see how much of what we have and what we do is unnecessary. Sometimes “on the day after” we can be re-energized through cleaning. This can be a good time to remove the clutter from our rooms, our minds and our calendars. We can weed out the trash; put it where it belongs (in prayer and practice); and move on. We can prune out the dead wood.
CONSIDER OTHERS
When we have begun to come to our senses, it is time for us to look around and see how others have possibly been affected by the big event. Maybe this is “a day after” for them, too. Job used to intercede in prayer and sacrifice for his adult children after their celebrations. He pondered, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. (Job 1:5) You will be restored through your care for and restoration of others. Forgive, pray for, bless and serve others – you will be refilled for God’s purposes.
~ Coach Tom
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