Meditation for Perfectionists – Wednesday May 05, 2021

Taking It Easy!

Psalm 116:1-9: “I was frightened and sad. …I was facing death and then he saved me. Now I can relax. For the Lord has done this wonderful miracle for me” (vv.3, 6-7, TLB).

Several years ago after I had experienced chronic heart fibrillations and palpitations, my doctor sent me to a physical therapist. His goal was to teach me how to alleviate the symptoms associated with the stress in my life.

One day the therapist suggested I try biofeedback to help me learn how to relax. He attached me to a device, showed me how to monitor my responses, and then left the room. Immediately my pulse quickened and my mind tightened up. Within minutes the meter on the machine flipped out of control. “Someone must be messing with the controls from the next room,” I concluded. How I wanted out of the room! When the doctor returned, he calmly said, “I guess we’ll just forget using this again.” I had a hard time relaxing. I thought it was wrong. When forced to go against my beliefs, my mind and body sent out negative impulses, and almost broke the machine.

Gradually, I have changed my beliefs about the value of practicing relaxation techniques. God is not opposed to “taking it easy.” He is pleased when I relax.

Lord, I was frightened and sad,
but you saved me.
Now I can relax.
Thank you very much.

Copyright Joan C. Webb

For more from Joan Webb visit www.joancwebb.com