5 Things to Do When You Can’t Do Anything
Let's be honest. If you don't feel like you can do anything, you probably don't feel like you can read through a bunch of fluff to find a list of 5 things. So here they are!
Here are five things to "do" when you can't do anything:
Normalize it. When Ecclesiastes 3 claims that there is a "time for everything," this current season is included. If Solomon makes sure to tell us there is a time to kill and a time to sew, you can also bet he would have included that there's a time to be paralyzed by crippling anxiety that wreaks havoc on productivity levels.
Accept it. This is where you're at, this is what you're feeling, and it may not change any time soon. That is okay. Say that statement to yourself, it takes away the shame of expecting you need to be anywhere else, experiencing anything different. You have enough going on right now, don't let shame be something else to add to the list. If Jesus promises to never put us to shame, then we can take ourselves off the hook as well (Romans 10:11).
Instead of pushing yourself to the light, take a look at what the dark is trying to teach you. Romans 5:3-4 clues us in that suffering is teaching us something. If we bypass the suffering we lose out on endurance, character, and hope. There are lessons in the darkness that we need for the light.
Advocate for yourself. My hunch is that if you're reading this, you are quick to help others yet do not receive help yourself. Going through pain alone doesn't make you durable, it makes you disconnected. Ask for help. When you don't receive someone's help, you are denying them of their godly mandate to give love (Romans 13:8). Denying love is depriving someone of becoming more holy. Ask for help and receive it.
Don't stop praying. It can be a groan, a mumble, or even a cry. Just don't stop walking with the Lord. He promises to bind up the brokenhearted (Psalms 147:3), care for us within our anxiety (1 Peter 5:7), and give us peace (Phil. 4:7).
If your head hits the pillow tonight and you start thinking of all the ways you need to be better tomorrow, think of these five things instead. Please know, not being okay is one of the bravest things you can ever be. And when you're on your 6th snooze button, remember I'm right there with you and we can get through this anxiety together. Feeling motivated to work on trusting the Lord? Continue your insight here.
