Numb. That’s the only way I can describe how I felt midweek. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what I was feeling at first. But I knew it wasn’t good.

What has followed was wave after wave of emotions. Sadness. Frustration. Shock at how some people are behaving. Determination to stand with those who may not fare well in these next few years. Hurt over words directed at me. And a whole lot of uncertainty.

If you are like me, you are processing a maze of emotion. Some of you are elated. Some are fearful. I think we’ve all reached our maximum capacity for information of any kind.

I turned off most of the news and social media. I want to know what’s going on but in little doses. Then last Wednesday, we escaped to a beach town and had lunch and listened to the sea lions and conversed with the gulls. Two fishermen just off a boat and still donning their boots and yellow fishing bibs were having a fight that seemed barely short of blows. 

I headed to the other end of the pier.  My instinct right now is to stay as far away from anger as I can. But I still feel the need for a plan. I don’t handle uncertainty very well. I like having a plan. Something concrete on which I can take action

So, my plan is this:

Choose Joy. Stand for Justice.

Micah 6:8 says it best. It has always been one of my favorite verses.

And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

This is what God wants of us. It is what Jesus modeled.

As for all these emotions, I have learned God gave us the entire spectrum of feelings to inform, to draw us closer to him and to each other. (Check out Jennie Allen’s book Untangle Your Emotions: Naming What You Feel and Knowing What to Do About It)

So, if you are struggling, don’t isolate. Seek out your people. Seek wise counselors, whether that is your pastor or priest, your therapist or someone else. Shift your focus from the turbulence all around you to the eternal God, because he is the source of all power and all peace. Be gentle with yourself and others. Walk humbly. We are all fragile in this time of transition and uncertainty.

Be on the lookout for joy. Expect to experience it in new and surprising ways.

And when you’ve got your sea legs, stand firmly for those who need help, justice. You can achieve this is small ways. Be a peacemaker when tempers flare. Volunteer at a food bank. There will be many ways to serve.

Take care of yourself and others.

You are not alone.

Here are 8 ways to stay grounded when you feel fearful from author Jill E. McCormick:

• Every morning commit yourself to the Lord. The Hebrew word for “commit” means to “roll” or “flow.” So tell God, “I am flowing with you today.”
• Keep a journal of God’s goodness and provision.
• Pray. I love what Corrie Ten Boom said, “Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”
• Limit who and how much you listen to.
• Say verses about fear and God’s character out loud. Talk to someone.
• Say, “God, you are trustworthy” out loud wherever you are.
• Pay attention to your body. When you feel your heart beating or notice that your breathing is more shallow, ask yourself what you’re thinking about. Then take those thoughts to God. Ask Him to help you sort them out while you take deep breaths.