Crying Out Loud In The Stillness

We just returned from a time of healing and self-care. That’s right … our first vacation in two years. WHAT is wrong with that statement?!

During this time away, we spent time with our family, nurturing and, in some cases, healing relationships. As I began typing, I tried to remember what was on my mind during our road trip to and from the east coast.

During the first 12 hours, I was dwelling on everything that had gone wrong the past week. Prior to our departure for vacation, we were embroiled in spiritual warfare every day. It was like hand to hand combat. I won’t go into specifics, but the day before we left and half way through the first day, I wanted to cancel the entire trip. When we finally stopped driving, at 11 pm that night, I sat by myself in the car and prayed fervently while my husband and son went to check us into the hotel. On day 2 of our trip, the journey and my frame of mind improved immensely. We enjoyed our time away and cherished moments with family. My prayers and the prayers of others had a profound effect on the purpose of our entire trip and had helped us “overcome” in the midst of battle.

How do you recover when you are under constant spiritual attack? What does spiritual self-care look like? Spiritual self-care is the third spoke in the wheel. You need to practice each area to complete the “wheel of self-care”: physical, emotional and spiritual.

Some people feel at their spiritual best when they are alone in a quiet place. Others feel on fire and charged up spiritually when they are attending a conference or worshiping in church. As with the other areas of self-care, you may need to try different things to find what’s right for you. There are times when you are “on fire” following a conference, but it is short-lived. The spark fizzles after a few days. Self-care should be a daily practice. Here is my “quick version” of practicing spiritual self-care.

Spiritual self-care begins and ends with prayer – conversation with God.

First and foremost, I ask other trusted “advisors” to pray for me and with me. While we were on vacation and in the throes of “healing” a relationship with a family member, we felt the power of the prayers of others who knew the purpose of our journey. When you are embroiled in a spiritual battle as a step parent, child, parent … you should pray and ask others to pray with and for you on a daily basis.

I admit it. As in any relationship that is important, I speak to God … out loud. Sometimes, “crying out to the Lord” goes beyond quiet prayers to full-on, out-loud conversations. I’m totally fine with that concept (I tell Satan a thing or two out loud, as well. That’s how I roll). Does God answer? Yes!

Be Still.

By nature, it’s hard for me just to be quiet. An important element of prayer and spiritual self-care is to simply “be still.” As with any relationship … speaking and listening are at the core. Speaking to God is essential. Listening is the more difficult skill. I don’t’ know about you, but when God speaks, I constantly try to add my two cents to the conversation, “But God!“

When I am actively listening, God speaks to me minute by minute in any number of ways … through scripture, a discussion with a friend, a particular music lyric or the wonder of nature. When we were driving back from the coast, there was a sunset following a thunderstorm as we drove down the interstate in Pennsylvania. The dark storm clouds boiled against a blazing orange sky. It literally took my breath away and I felt a sense of awe. That was God’s “not-so-subtle” visual message to me that no matter the circumstance, He is in control.

Engage Resources, Study & Meditation.

I am certain that my meditation does not look like yours. I have a hard time focusing on one thing. I’ve tried listening to myself breathe and a host of other meditation methods. Through much trial and error, I “landed” on something that works for me. I find peace and strength in taking a verse from scripture and writing it down in a scripture journal. Then, I break it down by word or phrase. I meditate on the portion that, in that moment, speaks to my soul and spirit. That is God speaking through His written Word. There are a number of resources in addition to scripture. I spend a lot of time in my car, so I find reassurance in faith studies and books on CD. You may find encouragement or messages that demand further study in the most unlikely places – a twitter feed or Facebook post – or even a blog!

Strengthen Your Spirit through Fellowship.

Many years ago, a friend gave me valuable advice. She instructed me to “do whatever it takes to recharge your spirit and your soul.” She was a mentor and friend that I loved to fellowship with at my home church. Fellowship with others who share your faith is important. It could be an organized service or a small group. I feel renewed when I worship, sing, pray and study with others who can offer advice, wisdom, encouragement, discernment and, at times, merely a kind word or hug.

You are the only one who knows when your spirit is tired. There are many ways to re-charge. Try different things and discover what works for you. If you don’t know where to start, do something for your mind, spirit and body today. Here is a suggestion. So it doesn’t feel overwhelming, set a timer. Read scripture for five minutes, spend time in prayer for five minutes and finally, go for a walk outside…experiencing nature and breathing deeply as you go.

In your practice of spiritual self-care, take time to experience the Creator, the one who formed you with His very hands.

Find rest, oh my soul, in God alone. Psalm 62:5