Part 1
The Lord is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 ESV
When I ride in my husband’s Jeep I feel every speed bump to the max.
Upon a little research I learned there are different kinds of speed bumps—some brutal ones in parking lots—broader ones on residential streets—and wide ones on non-residential streets that traffic designers call humps!
Even though speed bumps are often interpreted as obstacles by drivers, they have an important purpose. They are a reminder to SLOW DOWN and CALM DOWN. You may have noticed signs using the words traffic calming to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists around our community.
I think of physical speed bumps as an analogy to emotional speed bumps that show up for the purpose of slowing me down and calming me down—something I sincerely need even though I am often blissfully unaware of it. The problem is emotional speed bumps are not visible and they can feel like anything from a light blow all the way to a jolting collision!
Years ago, a friend warned me that I did not see emotional speed bumps coming! Maybe it was because my life was moving too fast or I was not paying attention, but her comment troubled me greatly. I eventually decided that even though they are extremely painful to endure, emotional speed bumps are a price I am willing to pay to embrace an energetic and optimistic approach to life. I do not want to be a person who spends my life viewing people and situations suspiciously with a cynical eye—looking for proof to disbelieve—waiting to be disappointed.
It isn’t wise to carry nitroglycerin over a speed bump, so first it is important to stop reacting. It is good for me to slow down—to feel the pain—to calm down and harvest any wisdom God is willing to give me. Later, when I have fully processed, and the time is right, I am ready to slowly regain momentum once again—this time picking up speed with greater humility and sensitivity—all made possible because of the trustworthy assurance of the nearness of God.