How to Keep from Spiraling Out of Control
We’ve all been there. In “that situation”. The one that leaves our head hanging a bit low and takes the spring out of our step.
It’s when a co-worker whispers unkind words. Or when a dear friend’s advice stings a bit. It’s when that promotion goes to someone else. Or when a child or spouse speaks cross words that deflate our spirit.
Often times, my first reaction is just that … a reaction. An emotional response that does nothing to soothe my soul, or encourage me to respond with love and grace.
They can tangle up my thoughts and threaten to reframe my worth and identity. And if I don’t take “that situation” to the truth-giver early on, I can find myself spiraling down to the basement of my heart to hang out with the other lies spoken into my life.
When the untruths speak too loudly, I need a quick fix. A remedy that will speak truths guaranteed to drown out the lies and quiet my heart.
I found a great way to recall God’s truths at a moment’s notice from my good-friend-I’ve-never-met, Wendy Pope. Don’t you just love the internet? Where people you read feel like friends you know!
While I can’t take credit for this ingenious idea, I can confirm it’s a great one.
It’s a spiral bound deck of 3×5 cards where verses that have spoken to me in various situations are captured. I call it my Spiral Bible. I’m not sure what Wendy calls it.
Here’s how to create your own. It’s simple and fast.
- Grab yourself a spiral bound 3×5 index card deck at any office supply store.
- When “that situation” happens, do a topical search in a Bible app or Bible index. Example: Let’s say “that situation” left me feeling worried. I search “worry” and find all the verses with “worry” in it.
- Read through the verses from your search. You will find one or two that God will use to speak to you about “that situation”.
- Write the verse on one of the cards plus any personal note or prayer.
- I add hashtags # at the top of my entries so I can easily find that subject again.
- I also have my One Word theme for the year written on the inside cover.
When “that situation” happens, and we all know it will, you will be armed with plenty of truths. Truths at your fingertips. Truths you can pray over yourself in that moment.
You can add some favorite verses that, in the past, have helped you get your happy back. Or you may want to wait and do your search when you’re in the middle of “that situation”. Why? Because God comes to us in a fresh way through every trial.
We may find a verse in our search we’ve read a thousand times, but it speaks to us in a brand-new way. Later, when we re-read that verse again, we will recall the trial and how that verse moved us from overwhelmed to overjoyed.
My Spiral Bible restrains me from reacting emotionally and keeps me from spiraling away from His truths. It puts me in a proactive posture so I can reframe my thinking and respond appropriately.
And bonus … it helps me to memorize verses! I’m so not good at that.
God promises that in our weakness, His power shows up (2 Corinthians 12:9a). So it helps to have His whispers readily available to take on the world’s lies.
Speak God’s truth over yourself; multiple times. His are the real truths about who you are, and will keep you on the journey He planned just for you.
Thank you, Wendy Pope! Your great idea helps me find comfort in my chaos.
Ponder
What is your “that situation” that can jostle your joy? Do you have any favorite verses that pick you up? Please share them in the comments below so others might be encouraged on their journey. And let me know if you have a Spiral Bible or if you plan to create one!
Practice
A Truth: Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist. Ephesians 6:14a
A Song: Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns (click here to listen)
A Read: Trusting God for a Better Tomorrow by Wendy Pope
A Prayer: Oh, Lord, thank you that I can carry your words of truth with me everywhere. Let me place your voice, and who you tell me I am, above any negative voices that speak into my life today. Help me to let your truths wash over me in troubled times so that I don’t spiral out of control. Place others around me who will encourage me to chase hard after your voice until my soul is soothed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Here’s where I’m sharing my post.
How to Keep from Spiraling Out of Control
Trying to maintain control in certain situations is not at all easy, but it is of utmost importance to have control of everything in our lives.
This is such a helpful idea! And as we use those truths over and over, they get embedded in our hearts and the Holy Spirit can bring them to our remembrance anywhere and anytime. Blessings, Debbie!
I don’t keep my cards in a spiral notebook, but this idea definitely works!
what a great idea! I love this! I have what I call ‘triggers’ that spin me out of control..I will surely find those verses that speak to my reactions and plant them in my heart!
So glad this was helpful, Kathy. I continue to add to mine as those triggers hit me.
Sticky notes and dry erase markers! I love that we all have different ways of keeping special verses close at hand. Great ideas Pam, thank you!
When my kids were little, I used to have stacks of index cards that I would write scripture on and carry around with me. It was my compact traveling Word that helped me to get a dose of scripture in whenever I could. I would hide them in the cupboards and even the lawn mower so that while I was spending hours doing menial mundane things I could soak up His Truth. It was such an integral part of my faith walk and your words today reminded me of this necessary planting of His Word in our hearts. Thanks so much!
Blessings!
Dawn
Even the lawn mower can be a vessel! How cool is that?? Thanks for sharing some of your journey. So glad you dropped by today, Dawn.
I absolutely love this idea Pam. I’m going to buy my spiral index cards today. My one word for this year is Flourish. I want to flourish in my relationship with God, people in my life, and myself. So often I let my fears, worries, and challenges rule my heart and mind so rather than flourishing I’m being choked by the “weeds” of my thoughts. I think my spiral bible will help me to flourish in Him!!!
Hi Christy, I’m so glad this was helpful. I’m still adding to mine as He reveals verses that speak to my problem de jour!
Love this, Pam! And thank you for linking it up to Open Mic Monday at Cisneros Cafe. I’m truly blessed by it and hope others are as well. Tweeting it out. Have a beautiful weekend. xoxoxo
Thanks so much for sharing, my friend.
I love this, Pam! Not only do I need one of these, I need to have my children make them, as well! Thank you so much for sharing this hope with us at #MomentsofHope! I so appreciate you!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Great idea for the kids! My daughter made one, too. So glad you enjoyed this one, Lori.
Love how practical and wise this is.
Thank you, Suzie. It’s Wendy’s brainchild, but I can attest that it works!
Excellent practical suggestions! I like the spiral Bible idea. I think it would also quickly become a tangible reminder of God’s work in your life as the verses bring back evidence of His faithfulness in difficult situations. Thanks for sharing!
That it does, Karen. And it’s been so helpful to share a verse with a friend in need.
This is a much needed practical post Pam. The word of God is the absolute only thing that will keep me from spiraling out of control or returning to my my natural proclivities – Sin. Glad to join the conversation today. Be blessed! – Kia
Kia, thank you for joining the conversation! As a daddyless daughter, I will be visiting your site very soon.
What a good word, Pam! Thank you for so many helpful and practical suggestions.
I found your post today on Sitting Among Friends. Shared it on Twitter.
Hope you have a blessed day~
Melanie
When I went through a very difficult situation 3 years ago, I began doing this very thing…to keep my sanity and keep my eyes fixed on God instead of my situation. I used the small pocket sized flexible photo albums which hold about 20 scripture index cards and have a different one for things like fear, worry etc. They have brought me so much strength and perspective, and I love how you have taken it even further with your One Word and #hashtags. Simple and effective! Crystal~
Hi Crystal! I really needed the hashtags to keep it organized. I’ve found it so helpful not only to me but also when a friend is in need. I can quickly find a verse that might be helpful.
I love this post! Needed to hear those words of encouragement today! I’ve used 3×5 cards for years to capture and record special verses. I write two of the same verse, fill it in a recipe box under key word, and put one in my purse , asking God to show me a person who may need the verse of encouragement. It is awesome to see who He brings and the blessing that can be passed on!
It’s so great to read what everyone is doing to keep His words near. Thanks so much for stopping by, Rosie.
Thanks, Pam. .Your post reminds me of a poster I used to have in my office that read:
NOT ONCE DOES THE BIBLE EVER SAY
“WORRY ABOUT IT,”
“STRESS OVER IT,”
OR “FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOURSELF.”
BUT OVER AND OVER
IT CLEARLY SAYS
“TRUST GOD”
Seems so simple, yet we can make it so complex and difficult at times. Hope you are doing well!
Your friend, Craig
So true, Craig. We can get caught up in our human-ness and forget to tap into His power within us. Hope all is well with you!
So important to stop our negative thoughts with the truths of God’s Word in those “situations.” I’m not sure I will make a spiral Bible but I love the idea. Your post has reminded me, though, of the importance of keeping in God’s Word.
Amen, Rachel. And whatever method we use matters not, as long as it works! Thanks so much for stopping by.
The “Spiral Bible” I love it Pam! Such a terrific way to keep God’s word in your heart and mind! I struggle with memorization too so I keep a sheet/s in the front of my bible with bible verses that speak to me. I try to read them every morning and like you said it helps with memorization!
Here are a few of my “life verses” that jump to mind in those moments of stress
Jeremiah 29:11/Philippians 4:13/Proverbs 3:5-6/Colossians 1:10 and I just memorized the fruit of the Spirit passage last month! I think next on my memory list is the passage about thinking on whatever is pure, lovely, think on these things. Thank you for sharing this tip and reminding us of the necessity of keeping God’s word in our heart. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend my friend. May God continue to richly bless you and yours!
You list two of my favorites, Horace. I can’t count how many times I’ve called on the Jeremiah and Proverbs verses you mention. You’re going for a couple long ones – brave! Hope you have a safe holiday as well. Blessings to you and yours, my friend.
Hello Pam, thank you for sharing this beautiful post.
I have been in ”that situation” more times than I can count. And I can’t trully say I have been dealing with it well. A lot of times I get so down that it often takes intentional efforts of reminding myself Gods promises and encouragement from a few friends to help me get back.
I’m going to try the method you shared.
Thanks for sharing.
Linked behind you at Family, Friendship & Faith Linkup.
You got it, Grace – intentional. That’s exactly what we need to do. Not always easy, but always right. And if we bring God into it, always a better outcome. Thanks so much for visiting!