When I was a teenager, my parents put up a 24-foot round above-ground pool in the backyard. As my nephews grew and came to cool off and swim with us, we often made a whirlpool. We all walked around the pool in the same direction, with our arms stretched out to pull the water along with us. When the circle of water was going strong and fast enough, we would grab an inner tube and float and spin on it around and around like an amusement park ride. Sometimes we would try to walk in the opposite direction only to find it impossible to go against the current. We would all laugh and have a great time. My parents loved it too, because when the whirlpool swirling was over, any dirt in the pool would settle in the middle of the bottom of the pool, which made it easier to vacuum up.
My life, in many ways, feels like that whirlpool. The daily busyness of all my responsibilities that come with making sure everyone’s needs are met and taking care of the house wears on me. The pressure and stress of trying to accomplish tasks, especially when the unexpected, unplanned hit feel mentally exhausting. The days that nothing gets done that should have seem to grow in number. “You are a failure,” I hear myself say. I look around my home and get overwhelmed. I ask myself, “Why can’t I be like other people and just get things done?” I’m trying, but I find the current is so strong that I can’t go against it. With each passing day, the whirlpool gets bigger, and I find myself lying in the middle of the bottom of the pool waiting to be vacuumed up.
The whirlpool is a part of the depression struggle. Even though you are not literally in a pool of water, you have created a current that is hard to go against. You find yourself lying at the bottom of the pool of your high expectations, sadness, hopelessness, stress, and negative thinking, but there is no vacuum to come and get you out. The struggle keeps you from remembering that God in His infinite love and mercy is firmly standing in the middle of the whirlpool. He is not caught in the current being pulled around and around. He will reach out His arms, pick you up, and carry you outside of the current if you would just ask Him to.
In the fourteenth chapter of Matthew, we find Peter walking to Christ on the water. Peter takes his eyes off Christ, feels the wind, looks at the waves, and starts to sink. I don’t know about you or your situation, but I sink every time I take my eyes off of Christ. Turn your eyes to look at Christ standing there with arms stretched out wide. He is saying, “Come to Me. Take My hand and let Me guide you out of the whirlpool.”
Lord, I pray for those today who find themselves caught in their whirlpool of sorrow, anxiety, exhaustion, or depression, fighting the current that leaves them lying at the bottom of the pool, that You would reach down and pick them up and carry them to a safe place, that they would turn their eyes to see You, to trust and rest in Your presence and allow You to mend their hearts and lives. Grant them peace, strength, and courage. Fill them with Your joy, for You are the anchor that holds. You calm the sea and storms that rage against them. You are the one who will make a way when they don’t see one. You are their healer, savior, and lover of their soul. Hedge them in and protect them from the enemy, and remind them that they are never alone, and You are the unshakeable God who sees and knows them. Give them wisdom and encouragement to look to You each day. Amen
Steps to take you out of the current and into living your life
Look to Christ,
Get connected to supportive friends, family, a support group, or a counselor.
Take steps to manage your stress,
Be proactive in self-care,
Be mindful and aware of the things going on in your day and life that are trying to keep you in the whirlpool.
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Gram