What Does Surrounded Look Like For You?

Are you feeling surrounded?  Has this past year left you feeling like a caged animal ready to lash out and bite?  Do you feel the army of your circumstances closing in around you?  Do you know where to turn?

Something I learned in my journey of discovering who I am in Christ (see Learning to Love the Woman in the Mirror) was that I can’t process in a crowd.  Though I need people and deep connections in order to thrive, I also need solitude and quiet in order to rejuvenate.  Being surrounded for me looks like noise, the expectations of others, and manmade obligations.  These are the things that so easily steal my peace and leave me feeling defenseless and on edge.   

When the loud, unloving words of others become like clanging gongs and symbols, I must run to the Rock.  When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.  For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Psalm 61:2b-3 (NKJV)

When everyone and everything is clambering for my attention and I can’t find a moment of solitude, I can find rest in Christ.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV) 

When everything including the kitchen sink has been thrown into the mix and I find myself the target of one curveball after another, I can have confidence in God.  Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.  For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.  Psalm 27:3, 5 (NIV) 

But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him.  No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. Psalm 34:22 (NLT)

As the song Surrounded (Fight My Battles) states: So my weapons are praise & thanksgiving.  This is how I fight my battles.  It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by you.   

Let us surround ourselves with thanksgiving and a garment of praise.  “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)