As a professional coach who loves Jesus, I want to equip you with tools and practices to help you stand spiritually firm in the face of a world that can feel downright scary at times. In light of what's happening in Ukraine, I wanted to share five ways to help you navigate how you’re feeling:
Be fully present where you are:
Resist the thought that by working and caring for your family you are somehow ignoring what’s happening on the other side of the world. It’s OK to lament what is happening and desire to do something to help, but you ARE doing something by being a supportive colleague, serving your customers or being fully present with your children. Serving the people around you will create a ripple effect that WILL impact what’s happening in Ukraine.
Establish healthy boundaries:
In situations like this, we feel like we owe it to those in harm’s way to be paying attention, but we don’t have to be actively watching what’s happening to be keeping those who are suffering close to our hearts. Limit your news and social media intake by allowing yourself limited intervals of time to watch and read content. Put it on your calendar if you have to. Use whatever method helps you be disciplined.
Pray regularly:
Set a timer on your phone to remind yourself to pray at regular intervals. Prayer matters! The Bible tells us repeatedly that God hears our prayers, accepts our prayers and turns to us when we pray. Scripture instructs us to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17) and to “be devoted to prayer” (Colossians 4:2). Click here for some prayer prompts about Ukraine.
Talk to a friend:
Talk about how you’re feeling with a friend or loved one. Share ALL of your feelings, even the difficult ones like guilt and feeling helpless. The enemy wants you to feel shame and discouragement, don’t give him a foothold! Bring whatever you are feeling out into the light – and you will sure enough see you are not the only one who feels the way you do. (And by sharing, perhaps you and your friend will discover a way to serve those in need!)
Remember who God is:
Nothing happening right now is taking God by surprise. He is sovereign over everything, and nothing happens outside of His control. Because we can trust God’s Word that He is working all things out for good, asking God “why” is not the right question. Instead, ask Him, “How can I...?” How can I be used by you to demonstrate love? Exhibit peace? Give generously? How can I show a hurting world who You are?
This world is going to try to pull you away from who God created you to be. I'm here to help you stay the course by reminding you that the world needs YOU. God created you on purpose, for a purpose. Need support on the journey? Grab some time here.
