Lisa Notes: Spiritual vertigo

Spiritual vertigo

I knew something was very wrong when he stumbled crazily back to bed.

Jeff had gotten up to take his shower, like he does every work day. But instead of next hearing him shave and brush his teeth, I heard the bathroom door open back up. And watched him sway.

“I feel so dizzy!” he said. Abnormally so. And it wasn’t going away. He felt nauseous. Sweaty.

With no sense of balance, the whole room was spinning uncontrollably in his head, even though there was no movement at all in reality.

I’ve felt like that lately, too, in my soul. Like a big part of my world is spinning uncontrollably around me, even though on the outside, there appears to be no motion at all. My vision is limited and my nerves are super-sensitive. I feel off-balance and wobbly.

But like Jeff, I have to remember that my spiritual dizziness is not reality either. When I get still (Psalm 46:10) and look straight ahead, the whirling motion stops.

Focus on Jesus, I preach to myself. Not on the outer edges.
By staying centered on him (Matthew 6:33), I bypass the blur.

It’s not a self-help strategy. It’s gospel truth (Colossians 1:22-23). By looking to the Lord, I can stand firm. I find balance.

Jeff was later diagnosed with damage to the inner ear caused by a virus. He’s since made an almost full recovery, praise God.

I’m recovering, too. Spiritual vertigo can be corrected by a change of perspective. Trading my vision for God’s. He sees the big picture.

And when I lean into him, he’s got me. He can keep me from stumbling (Jude 1:24-25).

* * *

I’m still learning the lesson of “one thing at a time” for Lent.

When you feel life is spinning out of control, do you have a favorite scripture or truth you turn to?

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Lynn Severance · 681 weeks ago

THANKFUL that Jeff has recovered. You know I am very thankful.

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Oh, Lynn. I have such new respect for how pleasant you are despite your struggles with this stuff. Jeff was really helpless for several days. You are an amazing woman to continue strong in your faith despite the persistence and recurrence of feeling unbalanced.

I hope the picture didn't bother you too much. It almost bothered me! ha.
Love you much!
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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Sel · 681 weeks ago

Thank you sister! If my focus is ever off a Jesus then I know to turn it to Him. Usually anything in John helps
Me but His I Am statements have always helped my focus -- I am the bread of life and the Light of the
World. I also like hearing or reading the lyrics to "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus". And , of course, seeking
The prayers of my dear friend and sister!

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

The past four Wednesdays of your "I am" study have been so beneficial to me. God is perfect in his timing to give me what I need when I need it. I thought today about which statement has impacted me the most lately...probably "I am the way" (John 14:6). I look forward to what the other ladies will share tomorrow night.

Now I'll always think about you when I hear "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus." It fits you because you are as singularly focused on Jesus as anyone I know. I'm so blessed to have you as my special sister!
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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womanafterword 1p · 681 weeks ago

What a great analogy! I find that my being still definitely leads to being closer to him. Just have to remind myself to do it constantly. Thanks for the perspective, and glad he recovered!
My recent post Bliss & a Break

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Thanks, Mandy. We're all glad he recovered!

Yes, being still does seem to facilitate being closer for me too. And even after years of knowing it, I still have to remind myself of it too.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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kamrandolph 32p · 681 weeks ago

I feel like my life is spinning out of control right now. Wounded deep deep betrayal. Lost my job also today. Focus on Jesus.... I needed this reminder. Thank you Lisa.
My recent post Redemption of a Heart

2 replies · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I am praying for you, Katie. This is a hard season. :-(

I am so sorry you've been hurt again and that you also lost your job. When we risk vulnerability, sometimes the cost seems too high. But I pray that the Lord will redeem the betrayal by pulling you closer to him; he's the truest and most faithful friend we can ever have. I believe he hurts with us when we hurt, and he also hurts for the one who did the betraying.

Yes, friend, keep focusing on Jesus. He won't magically take away the pain, as you well know, but He will walk by you in it, and show you light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there! Healing will come.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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kamrandolph 32p · 681 weeks ago

Thank you Lisa.
My recent post Redemption of a Heart

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barbarah 65p · 681 weeks ago

That picture about does me in.

I'm so glad Jeff is recovering. I get random bouts of vertigo that only last for a short time, but what help[s me most is, as you said, focusing on something that I know is not moving. You brought out so well that that is so true spiritually, too -- when everything else is spinning out of control, focus on the One who is unchanging, whose character and promises always remain the same.
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1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

So you know how he feels then. I'm sorry you have to experience vertigo. Jeff's grandfather used to get it, and my dad got it once before he got sick, and I just didn't quite understand. I still can't say I "understand" since I haven't felt it myself, but I do see a little more how devastating it can be.

It has been a good lesson for me spiritually though. I love how God can use things in the physical world to teach us spiritual truths.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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denisejhughes 11p · 681 weeks ago

Your post reminded me of the years I danced ballet (a long time ago). Whenever we would do spins, we were always instructed to keep our eyes focused on a "spot" somewhere in the room. We called it "spotting." The same idea applies spiritually too ... keeping our eyes fixed on Him, while the rest of the world spins.

I'm so glad to hear that your husband has made a recovery. A reason to give thanks for sure! Praise God!
My recent post When I Met Mercy

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I've heard my daughter say the same thing (she loves ballet). I still think I'd get terribly dizzy though, even if I did "spot." ha. Yes, "spotting" is definitely a goal in our spiritual lives.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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Messy Marriage · 681 weeks ago

I am still recovering from the same issue as your husband. It's no fun! But grateful that I'm almost back to normal. And you are right about the spiritual vertigo. The secret comes from knowing we have an unchanging God who walks with us through the disorienting moments. Great thoughts as usual, Lisa!

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Oh, I didn't realize that, Beth. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're almost back to normal, too!
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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floyd · 681 weeks ago

It certainly is about a change of perspective. Our circumstances don't always change, but they don't need to in order to find peace and joy.

I think I've shared with you my favorite scripture to lean on right now, it is Isaiah 6:13, "The Lord is the One you are to regard as holy, He is the One you are to fear, He is the One you are to dread."

I have it written and keep it by my sink in the bathroom. This verse is reminding me when the world attacks and tries to harm me and mine, I'm not to fear them. My job is to trust in God who causes or allows all things. That too is a change in perspective.

Glad to hear that Jeff's doing better.
My recent post OFF LIMITS

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

"Our circumstances don't always change, but they don't need to in order to find peace and joy."

And I need to repeat that over and over.

You do well to keep Isaiah 6 close by. It's a beautiful verse. Yes, our job is to trust that One who can handle it all. Thanks, Floyd.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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@Bearing__Fruit · 681 weeks ago

Love this! "It's not a self help strategy, it's the gospel truth."
Amen!
Thanks for sharing your heart.
Andee

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

It's so easy to reach for self-help books--only to find that the best ones are just repeating biblical principles. I love that God's truths are so universal in helping us. His help is the best help.
My recent post Spiritual vertigo

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Connie@raiseyoureyes · 681 weeks ago

Woah, that picture is cool but nauseating :) So glad your husband got a correct diagnosis and all is better.

"It’s not a self-help strategy. It’s gospel truth." This rang so true with me also! And your "one thing" fast for Lent? That is something I struggle with, but am learning to listen.

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I think multitasking is something we all must struggle with. Doing the "one thing" fast has been tough for me, but it's been eye-opening. I pray that by the end of the 40 days that the Lord will have changed some things in me that will last.
My recent post Ready for a new Bible memory challenge?

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shanda oakley · 681 weeks ago

"Only He can keep us from stumbling." I also feel like I have been spiritually dizzy...due to commitments, stress and MAINLY not enough time with God. It even affects us spiritually

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I know what you mean, Shanda. It is kind of ironic that when life gets too crazy, we spend LESS time with God instead of more. Was it George Mueller who said he didn't have time NOT to pray? I want more of that attitude.
My recent post Ready for a new Bible memory challenge?

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tinuviel · 681 weeks ago

so glad he is recovering well. vertigo is one of my lupus symptoms, so he has my empathy. (that one is stable right now for me.) it is a parable, isn't it? physically and spiritually, it helps if I can recognize the lie in what I see and grab hold of a truth that does not move. may the Lord continue his healing work for Jeff.
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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I didn't know vertigo was a lupus symptom. Wow--I've been amazed at how many people relate first-hand to vertigo. I need to count my blessings that I only know it second-hand.

Thank you for your prayers for Jeff. He has a few more days left of his medicine, then hopefully he'll feel totally back to normal. We will be thankful if this is a one-time only deal.
My recent post Ready for a new Bible memory challenge?

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journeytoepiphany 45p · 681 weeks ago

I am so glad that God gives us the natural to learn about the spiritual. I have often had spiritual dizziness, but I'm thankful for brothers and sisters like you who hold me up until I can walk alone again.
My recent post It’s Not Nice to be Mean – Guest Post Adela Crandell Durkee – Painting Prose

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Glad we have the example of Jesus being the master at drawing spiritual truths from physical things. I wonder what parables he would tell us today from our modern habitat...
My recent post Ready for a new Bible memory challenge?

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Tara Pohlkotte · 681 weeks ago

yes! I had a spell of vertigo for a while, and it was awful. I've had it spiritually too... great post!!
My recent post I Run For Their Lives

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Wow. After hearing how many people have had spells of vertigo, I am more grateful every day that I have not. Physically anyway... Hope you don't have it again, physically OR spiritually.
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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alymae 22p · 681 weeks ago

Oh, Lisa this is such powerful, simple truth! The word of God, the truth of Christ in scripture can fix our perspective and heal our souls.
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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

Aren't the most powerful truths sometimes the simplest ones? Oh, I want wisdom to appreciate that more and more.
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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aubreybarela 1p · 681 weeks ago

Thanks for this post. I often get my perspective in the way of His and it messes everything up. Thanks for the encouragment!

1 reply · active 681 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 681 weeks ago

I wonder why our own perspectives always grow and grow. So thankful that Jesus is able to step in and refocus us!
My recent post “Courageous”...to touch Him

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Mrs. White · 680 weeks ago

Spiritual vertigo is an excellent analogy! Our world can certainly spin out of control and we can lose our focus.

blessings
Mrs. White
My recent post No One Respects Homemaking Anymore

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