It’s the feeling you get when ‘it’ is over. You know, that college thesis, military boot camp, that restrictive diet, that house move, the big dentist appointment, etc. Anxiety floats away. Suddenly, we feel alive again, the sun is shining brighter, the grass is greener. . . It’s a good day. Time for ice cream. Sleep, without that ‘thing’ bearing down, comes more easily and is less sporadic. You wake – what is it called? – refreshed!
Why is it like that? Why is there such a sense of newfound freedom at the end of one of these stress producers? It’s because they all tend to come with negative emotions that take control but which our Designer equipped us to overcome – with His help and with ease. All negative emotions wreak havoc with our Shalom. It’s like they come alive and grab our faces and force us to focus on the bleakest of scenarios where they are free to multiply overnight like bad mushrooms. Sometimes when our ‘trial’ is finished, we are left feeling like a wet noodle, happy, but exhausted.
God’s healthy alternative is for us is to rest unperturbably in the joy of our salvation, feasting on His bounding, promised, provision. As God’s kids, if we don’t feel joy, it’s evidence that we are still tangled up in one or more of these negative emotions (and the enemy of our souls is doing his malicious, happy dance). The good news is that full freedom is readily available. Just hear Peter’s exhortation to us: “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith.” 1 Peter 5:7-9, TPT (Peter had come to understand that this was entirely possible, even for him). Jesus’ brother, James, exhorts: “Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will turn and run away from you.” James 4:7, TPT.
King David wrote glowingly of God’s friendship: “Lord, I have chosen you alone as my inheritance. You are my prize, my pleasure, and my portion. . . I’m overwhelmed by the privileges that come with following you, for you have given me the best!. . .you are close to ne and always available . . . I experience your wrap-around presence every moment. My heart and soul explode with joy – full of glory!” From Psalm 16, TPT. Sounds like Shalom to me! PD