The week I accidentally let myself get too stressed to sleep therefore everything became a huge deal.

My heart and head were feeling like this

because these past few days have been a whirlwind.

whirlwinds don't usually care what is standing in its' way.  They do not care how sturdy the structure or how long it's been there. But they never last forever.

Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."--Matthew 16:23

Often I think about this verse and what Jesus meant.  I don't think he was actually calling Peter Satan.  But what did Jesus mean?  I have heard other people say this when they are tempted.  Hearing others say that made my Baptist-background-self a little uncomfortable, categorizing it as just a little too charismatic. 

But these last few days have got me thinking about telling Satan to get behind me.  Maybe when Satan is in front of me I am focusing on the things of men.  Maybe he tries to get in front to try to block out God like the moon blocks the sun in a solar eclipse: 

It may look really cool or I may not even notice, but what I long for has been covered up by darkness.  Things are not normal; routine is out of place.  Previously I was a little hesitant when it came to ordering Satan around.  But, God is Lord over all and definitely way more powerful than him. If I set my sights completely, totally on the Creator of the universe, Satan doesn't even have a chance to get in front. 

So 

when healing seems out of reach get behind me Satan; You are the God of healing.

when chemistry is impossible get behind me Satan; You are the God of knowledge.

when hearts get broken and threaten to cave in get behind me Satan; You heal the broken-hearted.

when storms come get behind me Satan; You calm the raging seas.

when home seems very far away get behind me Satan; You are all I need.

when it seems that darkness is encroaching get behind me Satan; I will fix my gaze upon You.