We live in stressful times. We often operate from our sympathetic unknowingly. The Lord created our fight or flight response for when we face danger. However, there are other situations that trigger it even though we are in no danger.

Let’s look at a few. Rejection, betrayal, feeling overwhelmed, dissatisfied in relationships, and holding onto past hurts keeps us in fight or flight.

Our parasympathetic is for rest and digest. It is a state of calm. We can switch from fight or flight to rest and digest, through our thoughts, deep breathing, or prayer.

When Jesus had a busy day, He retreated to commune with His Father. Luke 5:16 says, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” He knew how to reset.

We can also reset through meditation in His word. John 15:7 says, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you…” Our Good Shepherd wants us to come to Him to find rest.