Shock! Disbelief !
The thoughts seemed to pour through my sister's confused mind. She let out a huge sigh as she struggled to come to grips with what had just happened at work along with a number of other activities over the last few days. Staring at me, she let out what seemed to be the only expression she could muster and said, "This one came right out of left field."
The thoughts seemed to pour through my sister's confused mind. She let out a huge sigh as she struggled to come to grips with what had just happened at work along with a number of other activities over the last few days. Staring at me, she let out what seemed to be the only expression she could muster and said, "This one came right out of left field."
My mind travels back to the shock the world experienced when news of the death of renown basketball player Kobe Bryant and his daughter stunned us all. That really came out of left field and even though there were millions who had never met Bryant in person, his prowess on the basketball court had earned him fans globally.
Life has those moments and many of us have been there. We experience the suddenness of events such as unexpected deaths, false accusations, sudden illnesses, job loss or some crisis that really disrupt the normal flow of things or proverbially 'rock the boat'. We use expressions such as, "I can't believe" or "I must be dreaming" to give voice to our feelings. Emotions in those situations can push us over the edge if we are not careful, and an ill-timed or knee jerk reaction may not necessarily work for our good. Hence, in those 'out of left field' moments the need to exercise self control or restraint is vital.
The value of support, a listening ear, some means of managing your response is needed. Sometimes we may want a time of solitude to regain our composure or settle our emotions. In the Bible there is the account of Job who encountered a tsunami of 'balls' out of left field. He lost family, health and possessions. Friends accused him and passed judgement, but Job echoed these words that many of us have quoted in our difficult times, He knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as pure gold. Job 23:10
Friends, in God there is no left field. Nothing catches Him off guard so we can always cast our cares and concerns on Him. His eyes run to and fro throughout the earth on the behalf of those that fear Him and He delivers them, 2 Chronicles 6:9. Don’t be swamped! If you react inappropriately, or become depressed and overwhelmed, seek to lift yourself and regain strength and composure. Share with a trusted friend, and above all hold on to the promises of God's word. God is not surprised or shocked because He knows the plans He has for you, Jeremiah 29:11. Rest in that assurance, and allow that to strengthen you when those 'balls' come at you from left field.
Life has those moments and many of us have been there. We experience the suddenness of events such as unexpected deaths, false accusations, sudden illnesses, job loss or some crisis that really disrupt the normal flow of things or proverbially 'rock the boat'. We use expressions such as, "I can't believe" or "I must be dreaming" to give voice to our feelings. Emotions in those situations can push us over the edge if we are not careful, and an ill-timed or knee jerk reaction may not necessarily work for our good. Hence, in those 'out of left field' moments the need to exercise self control or restraint is vital.
Friends, in God there is no left field. Nothing catches Him off guard so we can always cast our cares and concerns on Him. His eyes run to and fro throughout the earth on the behalf of those that fear Him and He delivers them, 2 Chronicles 6:9. Don’t be swamped! If you react inappropriately, or become depressed and overwhelmed, seek to lift yourself and regain strength and composure. Share with a trusted friend, and above all hold on to the promises of God's word. God is not surprised or shocked because He knows the plans He has for you, Jeremiah 29:11. Rest in that assurance, and allow that to strengthen you when those 'balls' come at you from left field.
Dee's 💜 Heart
