WARNING: To any man reading these words, just in case the title wasn’t clear enough, I do talk about premenstrual syndrome in this post. If that makes you fidgety and unable to look me in the eyes (figuratively speaking), feel free to click away. But if you want insight into that woman in your life that periodically seems to have lost her mind, you may want to read on.
I made it until about 9:30 a.m. when it finally hit me. I rolled my eyes, spoke words with a twinge of rudeness, and craved chocolate for breakfast because my hormones were all. out. of. whack.
Girls. Hormones are real. And their fluctuation affects us. (“Amen. Preach it, sister.”) The reason it feels like our head might spin and some alien might pop out of our stomach is because crazy stuff goes on inside of us. And until Jesus comes back and gives us those redeemed bodies, we’re going to wrestle against it.
So I want to deal well with the crazy, which means putting on a more fierce, war-like mentality when that time of the month arrives. Because if I follow where these hormones lead, someone’s gonna get hurt. Literally.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God…
Ephesians 6:10-20
At 9:30 that other morning when I finally realized my physical dilemma, I was parked in front of Wal-Mart with my two boys and a long list, prepping myself for the next hour. Because let. me. tell. you. Considering my hormonal condition, that shopping scenario had the potential to push me completely over to the dark side.
By God’s grace I had the sense to pause before tackling the possibly crumbling scene. I prayed out-loud that God would have mercy. I told Him that I wanted to love my boys and love the many “interesting” people I would see in Wal-Mart because He is worthy of me reflecting Him…but that I wasn’t feelin’ it. Wasn’t. feeling. it. I desperately needed His Spirit to guide, guard, and fill me.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
We have to know what triggers our flesh. We have to know which situations or relationships cause us to freak out a little. We have to know what makes us feel like we’re gonna lose our mind. Because I guarantee, the enemy knows. He knows what buttons to push. He knows when we’re most vulnerable. And he will absolutely attack our weaknesses. Because he’s mean.
That time of the month is one of my flesh triggers.
I wish I could say that everything changed after I prayed. But that would be a lie. I still felt that internal edgy-ness. But I also remembered that God was with me. And I kept lifting the “sword” — His truth — when I felt the yuck pressing down. “Lord, when I am weak, then I am strong. Be my strength, Lord. Put a guard over my mouth.”
That’s the enduring I talked about yesterday. Running the race even through the mess of hormones. He mercifully stays right with us, carrying us to the other side.
A More Fierce, War-Like Mentality:
Know what situations or relationships trigger my flesh.
Be on guard when those circumstances arise:
Stay in constant conversation with God.
Ask others to pray.
Meditate on His Word.
If possible, break away to be alone with the Lord.
Fill me, Lord…
What triggers your flesh?
How do you persevere in the faith through those things?
I am SO guilty of using things like PMS as excuses for my attitude rather than making any attempt to rise above it. Thanks for the reminder. Victory over these things is totally available to me…
But it’s such a good excuse. *wink* You’re right, though. Victory is available. Blessings, friend!
You know i’m finally realizing the impact that hormone have on me. I use to just attribute that time of the month to me being mean and rude by nature. But It really is hormonal changes that drive us crazy. I also realize now that being in constant prayer and meditation and reading during that time of the month is SO important. This month my husband and I joked that I didn’t “abuse” anybody in the house and I think it is because I have been very serious and earnest about praying every morning, meditating every night and of course reading and going to bed on time. Oh proper rest helps too.
Ha. “I didn’t ‘abuse’ anybody” Lovely, huh. These hormones are so real. And you are right, rest is so key. When I’m tired I’m much more quick to react rather than thoughtfully pause and pray. Thanks for commenting, Keya.
Great reminder that it is so important to know what triggers our fleshly behavior because you are absolutely right when you say that Satan knows which buttons to press!! Thanks! ;). P.S. Love how you write! I literally feel like you’re telling me about this as we sit across from each other sipping coffee. 😉
YES! Baby #3 is about to be born, and I SO covet others’ prayers b/c I know my hormones are going to be all over the place and out of whack! Out of all of the upcoming changes THAT is the one I am most worried about and needing to hold FAST to HIM!!
Thanks for this encouragement today, Lara!