Don't Get Rattled

The title of this blog came to me after my husband Tim had an encounter with a rattlesnake. Now before we get too far into this story, I need to share with you that Tim has a very valid fear of snakes. It is the one creature that gives him the heebie jeebies and that says something when he is almost never afraid of anything. Nonetheless, Tim had a previous encounter with a rattlesnake that makes him very wary of these reptiles. When he was surveying for the Colville Tribe way back when, he had a rattlesnake strike and hit his boot. Thank goodness it struck his boot and not his leg. Unfortunately, the snake got his fangs stuck in the pant leg of his jeans and Tim has jumping and kicking trying to get it disconnected for all he was worth. I am sure he was pretty rattled after that close call and rightly so. As a result of that previous near-death experience…. heart attack not snakebite, Tim now has a very profound hatred of all snakes and will avoid them when at all possible. When Tim ran into this rattlesnake on the ranch, he had 2 choices, run or deal with this threat. So, he calmly decided to take care of the threat to his 90-year-old mother whom visits that shed frequently. He waited patiently with his rifle and when the snake popped his head out from underneath the shed, he shot and killed it and is now on the lookout for additional family members that might be lurking about under the shed.

Currently, our world is filled with a sense of dread and fear on a daily basis. Honestly, I avoid the news so that I am not constantly reminded of the many dangers lurking about and ready to strike out and get us. It may seem like I am sticking my head in the sand, but I refuse to be scared and would rather live my life trusting that God is in control. I also see how so many people are rattled and get terribly upset at things that oppose their belief system or understanding. Remaining calm in a stormy time takes some serious and intentional effort.

Have you ever noticed that it is pretty easy to get rattled. When I hear someone talking about Covid or politics or riots, my heart rate increases as I start taking on this person’s angst, frustration and fear. The reason for this is empathy. Empathy is usually a good thing, when it allows us to share in someone’s sadness or loss and support them. Unfortunately, empathy also exposes us to other people’s emotions when they are angry, bitter or anxious. When we are around those situations every day, it can become toxic and affect our overall well-being. We can also become angry, bitter and unsettled if we don’t turn to a source of strength and peace instead.

This is where God comes in. I would offer that if fear is coming at you from all sides, then let God speak to you. God’s assurance, direction and encouragement comes in a still small voice and you will have a hard time hearing Him if you are getting rattled. The peace of God transcends all logic and is sometimes hard to explain. But I can assure you that God takes responsibility for the hearts and minds of those who believe in him. As we pray to and trust in Him, he constructs a fortress around us and defends us from the attacks of sin and the devil.

I know this sounds all too simple, right? The one thing I do know is that when you are facing a storm, Jesus offers perfect peace. God call us to adjust our focus, have a heart of gratitude and meditate on the good things that are in our life. God wants us to read His word and store His promises in our hearts. He desires for us to call to Him even before we get rattled. He loves to hear our voice and takes our specific requests each and every day.

I encourage you to not let this world get you rattled. Face your fears with God’s strength and power instead. Lastly, when the people around you are affecting your peace and joy, you have to make a conscious choice not to take on their anger, bitterness or fear. Think on God’s promises instead and be that contagiously calm person that reminds others that God is in control.