What to do When Your Mind is ‘Filled with Care’

by Lois Flowers

What do you do when you have no words? Not for another person, but for yourself?

Not about something tragic, but about the normal course of life. Not about a specific event, but about what was, what is and what might be to come?

magenta peony

What do you tell yourself when the emotions and thoughts and scenarios crowding your mind render you unable to articulate how you feel about any number of things, at any given moment?

What do you think when the road ahead—one that is worn from the footsteps of others but has yet to bear the brunt of your own weight—is enveloped in fog? When your desire for step-by-step instructions and satisfaction guarantees goes unmet, replaced by the need to walk by faith and not by sight?

What then?

What do you do?

You go outside and walk slowly around the flower borders, reveling in each new bud and each unexpected sprout.

You pray for God’s will to be done, not yours.

You turn up the corners of your mouth, knowing that the very act of smiling will lighten your heart and remind you of all the many blessings your life holds.

You crawl under the fluffy red blanket on the couch and take a short nap.

You talk to people who have walked where you are walking, or where you might be walking at some point in the future.

You hug someone close—maybe even for a full and therapeutic 20 seconds.

You remind yourself that clarity will come again—possibly after a solid night’s sleep, a couple of hours in the garden, 30 minutes on the treadmill or a good cry.

You open your Bible to the verse you noticed yesterday, and you jot it down on a lime green index card: “When I am filled with care, Your comfort brings me joy.” (Psalm 94:19)

You push aside all the partially-finished, half-thought-out blog posts you can’t seem to focus on and write something fresh—something that flows straight out of the moment you’re in right then.

And you hit publish because you know if you need to write this, someone else might need to read it.

Lois Flowers

P.S. Linking up this week with Kelly Balarie at Purposeful Faith, Crystal Storms at Intentional Tuesday, Jennifer Dukes Lee at #TellHisStory, Holley Gerth at Coffee for Your Heart, Lyli Dunbar at #ThoughtProvokingThursday and Dawn Klinge at Grace & Truth.

Leave a Comment

31 comments

Aimee May 19, 2016 - 8:21 pm

I am “full of care” right now…and I am so thankful for His comfort. It does bring joy.
Thanks for linking up with Grace and Truth.

Reply
Lois Flowers May 20, 2016 - 10:56 am

That verse is lingering in my mind these days too, Aimee. Thankful with you–and for you–today!

Reply
Blogger Jedidja May 14, 2016 - 8:30 am

Eenvoudig en zo mooi!
Simple and so beautiful!

THANKS

Reply
Lois Flowers May 14, 2016 - 9:36 am

Thank YOU! Have a wonderful day! 🙂

Reply
Ann May 12, 2016 - 7:40 pm

Beautifully written and I’m sure most everyone can relate…I know I can. I’ve done most of those things on different occasions. Some of them help. Some are just a distraction from the frustration and confusion I’m feeling. But ultimately, you are correct – clarity(or at least peace) will come again. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 13, 2016 - 9:14 am

Thanks, Ann. So nice of you to stop by today … 🙂

Reply
Sarah Donegan May 12, 2016 - 3:41 pm

Me. All the time. I love Psalms!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 13, 2016 - 9:13 am

I love the Psalms too, Sarah. Have a great day!

Reply
Pam May 11, 2016 - 12:58 pm

Thanks for your insight and godly wisdom, Lois!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 4:25 pm

You’re welcome, Pam! Praying for you today …

Reply
SUSAN May 11, 2016 - 11:25 am

Love that Peony! I find myself taking a lot of walks in our yard this time of year. God speaks through flowers and all aspects of nature, at least I think so! #19 neighbor at Holley’s today!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 4:24 pm

I think so too, Susan. And I wish you could see the whole peony bush right now … completely covered in gorgeous blooms! Have a beautiful evening!

Reply
Candace May 11, 2016 - 6:57 am

So many comforting ideas here, Lois! Now I’m wanting to crawl under a fluffy blanket and nap. Unfortunately, it’s only 8am ;). Looking at flowers does wonders for me as well. I have a pallet on my patio waiting to be planted, but it has been raining forever here. Hopefully today they will go in the ground.

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 8:43 am

Yes, I suppose 8 a.m. is a bit early for a nap, isn’t it? 🙂 I have perennials waiting to be planted too, and I still haven’t started putting anything in pots yet. But I am looking forward to the mind-clearing that happens when I start digging in the dirt! Thanks for stopping by today, Candace!

Reply
saleslady371 May 10, 2016 - 8:32 pm

That verse in Psalms is rich and a springboard to clarity for sure because we know He carries our concerns and we’re reassured and free to think! I am always amazed how motivated I am to write when I’ve been with Jesus, the best focus. But I do love naps and walks in the park too! Thank you for stopping by my blog.

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 8:46 am

You’re welcome … I’m so glad our blogging paths crossed this week!

Reply
Michele Morin May 10, 2016 - 4:59 pm

Yes, Lois, and your words have the fresh aroma of having been lived. Thanks for this post – you spoke to my heart about this very day’s load.

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 8:49 am

I’m glad the post was timely for you today, Michele. Thank YOU for your kind words, my friend!

Reply
Bethany May 10, 2016 - 2:53 pm

Oh, Lois. I wish we could meet up for (not coffee, bleh!) but something else. Do you know this has been something I’ve had no idea what to do with lately?? Like, I’m used to dealing with some pretty serious stuff and trusting the Lord in it. But it seems like for no reason I’ve had these “cares” on my mind and I’m feeling trepidation over the littlest steps.
I’m so glad for the wisdom and truth you share here. Thanks for obeying and writing this- I for one needed to read it. Taking a deep breath and tugging that smile on like a pair of comfy pants to make things better : )

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 9:09 am

I think I know how you feel, Bethany, and I’m sorry. Praying that God will give you peace, clarity and courage to keep taking those next steps, however small. Oh, and when we do meet up some day, you are welcome to have tea or Coke or even (my personal favorite) a diet lemonade from Chick-fil-A!

Reply
Bethany May 11, 2016 - 8:30 pm

You are so kind, Lois. I appreciate and reciprocate those prayers! And the offer : P Believe it or not- I drink none of those. I’m nuts. But a Chic-Fil-a cookies and cream shake….bring it on!! Haha. Much love to you!

Reply
Betsy de Cruz May 10, 2016 - 12:31 pm

This is such a refreshing read for me. A great reminder that so many things look better after a nap and a good night’s sleep. And yes, I agree that smiling makes a person feel better. I do that all the time just to remind myself that God and the life He’s giving me are good!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 8:54 am

Didn’t I read that you are moving out of the country next week, Betsy? In the midst of all the packing and transition, I hope you are able to find a quiet moment of rest here and there. 🙂

Reply
Trudy May 10, 2016 - 12:23 pm

I really identify with this, Lois. Thank you for your understanding and encouragement. I love the Psalm verse. May we lay down our cares and rest in Jesus! Blessings and hugs to you!

Reply
Lois Flowers May 11, 2016 - 8:51 am

That verse is wonderful, isn’t it? I think it was even underlined in my Bible, but I can’t remember ever noticing it before! Resting in Jesus with you today, Trudy. 🙂

Reply
Linda Stoll May 10, 2016 - 7:32 am

Oh yes, for sure, Lois.

These are usually our best posts ever, aren’t they …

Reply
Lois Flowers May 10, 2016 - 11:03 am

You know, Linda, I think you’re right. I wonder why that is … maybe because they are so heartfelt?

Reply
Suzy Taylor Oakley May 10, 2016 - 6:15 am

Exactly. And amen.

Reply
Lois Flowers May 10, 2016 - 11:02 am

Thanks, Susie. I’m not surprised that you can relate … 🙂

Reply
Tayrina May 10, 2016 - 5:54 am

Such an encouraging post! – I know that every time I hit publish words will arrive at a heart in need. Today I needed this! Blessings

Reply
Lois Flowers May 10, 2016 - 11:04 am

Thank you, Tayrina! There’s always someone out there who needs our particular brand of encouragement, isn’t there? 🙂

Reply