Day 12 - Avoiding the Rocks of the "What Ifs"

During this time, many will feel like a boat being tossed around on stormy seas. All they will be able to see will be the height of the waves all around them. They will be terrified of their boat being overwhelmed and broken open upon the rocks of time.

However, although they might fear the waves, it is often the unseen rocks that they will fear the most. Many will be able to cope with what they can see. It will be the hidden things that will keep them up late at night worrying. These hidden things, the submerged rocks, are the “what ifs” of life. “What if this happens, how will I cope? What if that happens, where will I go? Who will look after me or take care of my family? What if I can’t cope? What if I die? What if I fail? What if I am not strong enough or wise enough or resilient enough? “These are the thoughts which might eventually drown many.

Therefore, the most important thing they need to do is to look out for the light that comes from the lighthouses scattered throughout the land, designed to keep them away from these treacherous places.

But where are these lighthouses and how do we find them? The first thing they are, are places that help us to see and understand better. Their beams light up our dark skies and help us see the water in front of us. They are places or people or sayings or words or kindnesses that reassure us. They leave us feeling better, calmer and more hopeful. Look out for these places and people of the light at this time.

Many will say they are lighthouses, but if you walk away from them and you feel more fearful, frightened, anxious, scared, upset or depressed, then these things are not lighthouses, for they fail the trade descriptions act.

God has placed many lighthouses near you. He wants to keep you away from the rocks of the “what ifs”, for he knows they are very dangerous waters to find yourself in. So beware at this time if you go down the path of the “what ifs”. That path leads nowhere but to the rocks and if you sail too close to them you may get badly hurt.

Instead, try and let your mind be filled with things that can bring you peace. It might be an author who inspires you or a piece of music. It might be spending time outdoors or creating something beautiful indoors. Take care great care of where you lead your boat at this time. And if you do sail into the choppy waters of the “what ifs,” try and find a lighthouse.

What are your rocks of the What Ifs? List them and try to identify which ones you worry or fret about or fear the most? Why is that?

Who or what are your lighthouses?

Who or what have you believed to be lighthouses only to discover that they were not? How did that leave you feeling?

What things help fill your mind with peace?