Why I’m stressed out

Every once in awhile, my iTunes goes into automatic shuffle mode, whether I tell it to or not. Probably something I should look into, but it turned out to be somewhat of a blessing this past week, an unexpected goodness. When this happens, I’ll start listening to songs that I don’t frequent much anymore, and it reminds me of good times in the past or lessons learned from their lyrics. I probably should note that most of the music in my library is Christian worship music, so these times of random shuffle bring me back to times spent at the feet of Jesus and memorable moments spent in His presence.

I was driving around the other day (confession: probably speeding) running errands, and I realized that I was so stressed out. I wasn’t really sure why I was so stressed out. My emotions wouldn’t allow me to properly articulate that in the moment of rushing. Trying to get so much done in a short amount of time seems to have become my new normal, even though the things on my list are, for the most part, good things. I’ve found myself trying to juggle more than my feeble hands can keep in the air. And then the song changed. My racing thoughts came to a sudden halt as I was brought back to a place of beautiful brokenness and closeness with Jesus. As these lyrics began to flood through the speakers of my car, I immediately knew the answer to my own question, “Why am I so stressed out?” My gaze was misplaced. Read these lyrics, and see if you can relate:

“In Your Arms” by Meredith Andrews

I’m turning the world off, embracing the silence
Walking away from all the voices that are screaming in my ear
I’ve been too caught up, I’ve been so stressed out
And all of the noise replaced the whisper that used to be so clear

So I close every door, and put my face back on the floor

And I’m in Your arms where I belong
There’s no other place for me than right where You are
Some things just don’t change when I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace when I’m in Your arms

I’m letting my fears go, giving You control
For You are the one who holds me closer in my soul’s darkest night
Everything I see is so temporary
So help me to run the race before me with eternity in sight

Now I close every door, and put my face back on the floor

And I’m in Your arms where I belong
There’s no other place for me than right where You are
Some things just don’t change when I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace when I’m in Your arms

To sit at Your feet at Your table of mercy
To gaze on Your beauty, my Lord
To drink from Your well and be changed by Your glory
How could I ask for more? Jesus, how could I ask for more?

Than to be in Your arms where I belong
There’s no other place for me than right where You are
Some things just don’t change when I call Your name
You never hesitate to wrap me in endless grace when I’m in Your arms

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28