By: Sarah Geringer
Today my computer was running very slowly. I had too many tabs open (do any of you have this bad habit too?) and I could hear the processor running hard to catch up.
Realizing I wouldn’t get much done at that turtle speed, I pointed my mouse on the Restart button. Voila–it’s working fine again (with only ONE window open).
In our crazy busy world, we also need a restart sometimes. Our brains can only take in so much before we feel overwhelmed, frazzled, and stressed. A hard restart is a form of self-care, before we head over the brink into persistent anxiety or even depression.
This verse in Revelation has long captured my attention and given me peace, especially in my overwhelmed moments. I’m happy to share it with you today.
And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Rev. 21:5 NLT
Jesus will someday make everything new. That will be the most glorious restart in history. But he will also make everything new in your life now, as you surrender your mind, heart, will, and schedule to him.
When I need a hard restart in overwhelming moments, I typically do these things to calm down:
-Drink a full glass of water
-Do jumping jacks or take a brief stroll outside
-Take several deep breaths, inhaling for at least 5 seconds and exhaling twice as long
-Go to a quiet place, close my eyes, and mindfully listen to the sounds around me
-Focus on distant objects to reduce eye strain
-Do jumping jacks or take a brief stroll outside
-Take several deep breaths, inhaling for at least 5 seconds and exhaling twice as long
-Go to a quiet place, close my eyes, and mindfully listen to the sounds around me
-Focus on distant objects to reduce eye strain
I also always exercise my faith in these restart moments. It’s an ideal moment to pray, meditate on a peaceful verse (like Rev. 21:5), or sing a worship song to God.
By combining a physical change with a spiritual change, we can restart our minds and head back into the fray, feeling refreshed in body and soul.
Heavenly Father,
You know how challenging my life can be.
I’m thankful that you offer me the peace that passes understanding, every moment of every day.
The next time I need a hard restart, whether it be at home, work, church or out in my community, help me to choose wisely.
I want to have your peace in both my body and soul.
Draw me close to you in those moments when I need to be reset, and refresh me with your life-giving presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
You know how challenging my life can be.
I’m thankful that you offer me the peace that passes understanding, every moment of every day.
The next time I need a hard restart, whether it be at home, work, church or out in my community, help me to choose wisely.
I want to have your peace in both my body and soul.
Draw me close to you in those moments when I need to be reset, and refresh me with your life-giving presence.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings and God's peace to you,
Photo from Canva.com
Reflection questions:
1. What verse is most helpful to you when you need a hard restart?
2. Which simple step will you take the next time you need a hard restart?
Love the analogy you used! Sometimes I have so many windows open...I don't even know. ;) Right now I have six on my computer. Don't ask me how many in life. :-/ Anyway, appreciated your take today!
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