Perhaps we have reached a point where the phrase “it’s okay to not be okay” has been overused—or not.
A decade ago, I may have had a different opinion on this. Today, I am okay with the notion.
For you, this may be more than a notion. Perhaps “not okay” is your current reality. So, before I go any further, let me say yes, it’s okay to not be okay—but you must lean hard into Jesus.
There is no time or space for me to list the countless scenarios in which we may find ourselves not okay. It is surely *a thing* and happens more than most of us want to admit.
Because of the pandemic season, the phrase it’s okay to not be okay has become quite popular. We may wonder, “Are people looking for an excuse to be okay with the uncertainty of what their lives have become?”
In some cases, the phrase may justify our need to vent, express anger or frustration, or even to seek medical attention for anxiety or other emotional issues. Let me be quick to say, though, none of us—NONE. OF. US. have walked through a time like this.
PLEASE READ: If you have struggled with any form of mental illness in the past and recognize the symptoms (or think you may be experiencing this now), I encourage you to contact a doctor or counselor. With God’s help and the expertise of medical professionals, I know you will overcome this.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41.10 (ESV)
It’s okay to not be okay.
If you do not feel in need of professional help, but find yourself feeling fearful, anxious, nervous, or “blue”, here a few simple steps to encourage you.
You can begin the process of overcoming by taking the following action steps.
#1 – Acknowledge how you are feeling to yourself. To do so is good and can help you begin to turn things around. Spend time, daily, in God’s Word and prayer. This will encourage you to recognize feelings that are not of Him. God is good. His Word is life, not death. Ask Him to help you discern when your feelings are not what He desires for you.
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34.4 (ESV)
#2 – Go to God. Be honest before the Lord. Though He already knows what is happening (because He is an all-knowing God), He genuinely wants to hear about it from your lips. Have a conversation with Him about all that is troubling you. Confess any sin that may be present in your life. Then, take time to simply sit in His presence. Meditate on His Word. Wait for His response and find assurance that He is working on your behalf.
“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5.7 (ESV)
#3 – Don’t try to fake it ‘til you make it. As one who spends most of her day working from home, alone, I have learned to recognize when I am feeling anxious or “blue.” This often means I simply need a change of scenery. So, I will go for a walk in the sunshine (Target works, too). I may talk with a trusted friend about what I’m experiencing and ask them to pray for me. Knowing you are not alone will often encourage you to move on through it. (Also, I strongly recommend turning Ephesians 6.11-18 into a prayer.)
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6.11 (ESV)
Let me say again NONE. OF. US. have walked through a time like this. Whatever emotions you are feeling, friend, rest in knowing you are not alone. We are all carrying the scars, and this applies not only to the pandemic season, but over our lifetime.
Lean hard into Jesus. Try these three action steps. And remember, it really is okay to not be okay.
Blogger | Introvert | Bibliophile | Wife | Mom | Gigi | Friend | Author of MORE THAN A CHURCH GIRL: Stories of Life, Faith, & Family
Learning to listen to my feelings and learning to name them has been something I am learning later in life. But it has been so helpful. For years I didn’t think it was okay not to be okay. But honesty really does move us forward.