5 Ways to Get Off the Crazy Train
Right about 1 PM today, I boarded the crazy train.
Bruce called to explain our plans had changed. Start packing.
I immediately got to work. But, I put the wrong things in my suitcase. Instead of placing peace and joy in my carry on, I decided to weigh myself down with anxiety and disappointment.
I failed to remember God always wants us to travel light. I won’t have room for all the delightful surprises He has prepared for me if I am cluttered up with unnecessary burdens.
But once I let my emotions derail my purpose, I didn’t know how to get back on track. Have you ever been there? Just in case you feel like you are on about to derail like me, I want to share a few suggestions on how to avoid a train wreck from Psalm 34.
5 Ways to Get off the Crazy Train
Praise Him
Magnify your God, and any pot holes on your path will appear miniscule. Worship and worry will fade from your view.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. (Psalm 34:1, NLT)
Seek His Face
When we look up to the Light of His countenance, the difficult road before us opens up and broadens. Remember He knows the way and will walk with you step by step.
I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (Psalm 34:4-5, NLT)
Seek Peace
Pave the path with love and friendship. Fight for reconciliation rather than fussing over who is right.
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (Psalm 34:14, NLT)
Walk with Humility
When you are hurt, remember you’ve got a healer. Never nurse a grudge in pride when you can plant forgiveness instead.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
Serve wholly
Don’t get discouraged when people buy a ticket heading in the wrong direction. Keep pointing to Jesus and praying for redemption.
But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:22, NLT)
Let’s get off the crazy train and follow the freedom trail with Jesus.
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Are you ready to fire up your faith?
Such a good post, Lyli! You so encouraged my heart today to not even get on the crazy train to begin with 🙂 And may we keep pointing others to Jesus so that the crazy train does not gain any passengers! xo
I must admit I get on the crazy train a little too often. Bruce is always trying to encourage me to jump off & take a chill pill.
A change in plans is tough to absorb sometimes — and there are days when I feel as if I’m getting mental whip lash, but these principles stand as true, so I’m thankful that you’ve shared your insights, Lyli.
I am not good with change… but God keeps giving me homework in the area… & I am trying to make baby steps in the right direction.
What a neat post! Loved it, Lyli. Truth be told, a whole lot of us have ridden the crazy train. 😉
Not a fun ride at all. — Wish you were going to be at She Speaks, my friend. I will be carrying you in my heart while I am there. Thanks for the nudge to get me on this journey. Love you
I can get really frustrated when plans change – especially carefully thought-out ones. It’s easy to blame the person who changed them, but ultimately God is in control. I have to remind myself of that often.
Yes, I am trying to roll with it & trust that God is making a way for us. So hard to surrender!
I love your analogies! Praying for you every day, Lyli!
Thanks for praying, Kelly! Hugs
From a fellow-passenger…thanks for the linkup!
Thanks Lyli – such a timely post for me – we got news on Monday that definitely sent me onto the crazy train – these 5 tips are great and some of the very things I did you get my self off crazy 🙂 thanks for hosting and sharing 🙂
Praying for you now. Hugs
Lyli! You have some good stuff coming your way in the next couple of weeks and I’m praying that you see all God is doing in every step. Soak it up, friend!
Thank you, Lisa xo
No, it is not fun when the plans change but what wonderful ways to keep us or get us back on track. You made a frustrating topic quite fun with your analogies.
Have a very good time at She Speaks. I am so sad I am going to miss She Speaks this year; I would have loved to have met you.
Maybe next year 🙂
Hi Lyli! Choosing to praise and sing kicks me off my propensity to jump on that crazy train …
😉
I’ve started to listen to worship music softly in the evening as I fall asleep. Helps me not jump into a crazy train of thoughts as I lay in bed & try to fall asleep.
Have a great week off!! Enjoy your time. I love the reminder to refocus and not get caught up in the “crazies.”
Thanks, Char
I love it – no peace and joy in the carry-on! I’ll pack better next time. Great post!
Enjoy your break!