The Land Between is fertile soil for meltdown. It can occur like this:

I am not cut out to be a teacher!

The situation at work is getting worse.

Furlough-but for how long?

The marriage had been unstable and now the pressure keeps building.

I am so lonely.I cannot sleep.I don’t understand why this is happening.

Welcome to the Land Between.

The Land Between can be a place where we discover a level of vulnerability or instability we didn’t know we had. The Land Between is profoundly disorienting and often is where God can do transformational work. But, transformation is not an easy process. It is often confusing, complicated and can be deeply disturbing. Separated from what we always knew but unsure of what we are to become, we can wander aimlessly without direction or hope. Meltdowns can actually be a symptom of growth. It is God's intention for us to emerge from the 'Land Between' radically reshaped. But, remember, the Land Between is also the place where faith goes to die. How we choose to honor this Land Between will determine whether the journey will be a place of spiritual death or spiritual vitality.

In a season where social distancing is the norm, a meltdown can feel claustrophobic and like the whole world is crashing down around you and you cannot get away from it because you have no alternatives. Some people say they feel stuck--can’t move forward and can’t move backward. Others describe a foreboding, unrelenting feeling that something unexpected is about to happen and they’re unprepared. Inescapable pressure, anxiety or depression can occur. It can feel overwhelming or underwhelming. There is no map. There are no anecdotes. There may be awkward heaviness and spiritual burden. Still for others, a meltdown spiritually, emotionally, mentally can have a physical manifestation.

The build-up can have devastating effects.

1. Outbursts. Emotional or mental storms can happen when children (or adults) are overwhelmed by feelings that come out in inappropriate ways. They are sometimes referred to as tantrums or blowups and can be very stressful for everyone involved.

2. Pain. Any kind of physical pain: joint pain, headaches, digestion issues, back pain and mysterious body aches can be a sign that meltdown is inevitable.

3. Loss of interest. This is a sneaky but deadly attack that leads many people to turn inward, disconnect from others and search for something else or something ‘more.’

4. Distraction. Tricky but productive this is a powerful force. Cleaning incessantly, exercising too much, binge eating, spending time with inappropriate people or working on projects that have little or nothing to do with what’s really happening.

Get ready. It’s about to blow.

The Israelite complaint developed into exasperated rage in Numbers 11. How would Moses respond? Consider Moses' prayer 11:11-15. He is caught between the people and God. Moses is so discouraged and weary he asks to die rather than to continue on like this. Moses asks six questions:

Moses heard the people of every family wailing at the entrance to their tents. The Lord became exceedingly angry, and Moses was troubled. He asked the Lord, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me? Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms, as a nurse carries an infant, to the land you promised on oath to their ancestors? Where can I get meat for all these people? (Numbers 11:10-13)

The difference between the complaints of the Israelites and Moses' meltdown is the condition of their hearts. Moses has a completely different attitude. The Israelites are complaining about God--Moses was praying to God. Instead of stirring up the community, Moses turned to God as a trusted confidant and poured his heart out to Him. Exasperated, overwhelmed, and at a complete loss, Moses is broken and at his limit. This is often where the other negative voices come to the forefront. We might wonder if it is all right to question God and be honest with Him. Centuries after the time of Moses, we experience something similar with the prophet Elijah. 1 Kings 18 and 19 include the passionate story line of Elijah. He too finds himself in the 'meltdown' position in 1 Kings 19:3-5.

But for GOD, this is a sign of trust and intimacy with Him.

1. Consider the desperate prayers of these two heavy weights as a sign of maturity, spiritual health and a reflection of their relationship with God--instead of thinking of them as spiritually immature.

2. These prayers are included as holy scripture and reveal the breaking point of two great leaders and God's care and concern for them. Jesus invites all who are 'weary and heavy laden' and He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28) Peter knows a thing or two about weariness of life and responds by saying, 'cast all your anxiety on him because he cares about you.' (1 Peter 5:7)

3. Crying out to God is a reflection of our need for Him and defies the statement, 'God won't give you more than you can handle.' Honest prayer and lament are crucial to developing a relationship of trust. They come from the heart and develop intimacy.

Consider whether or not you’ve experienced a meltdown. Were there people involved or did they witness you having a meltdown and were unable to process or help you? Think about your spouse, children, co-workers, friends or even a stranger. Be sure to make amends. Take responsibility for your part and be okay with the fact you were ‘not okay.’ AND include an explanation how God restored you. Just because you may have experienced a meltdown doesn’t mean you’re over it or have some reconciliation. But you did release some pent up energy! And now, be ready for God to speak and respond to what God tells you to do. Meltdown is a sure indicator of our human frailty and vulnerability. Confession, pardon and assurance are important for BOTH the reconciliation and restoration processes. I’ve included some questions here for you to consider as we navigate the Land Between and learn about meltdown together.

Part Two: Meltdown

Describe a time when you were on the verge of emotional collapse. How did you respond to the pressure of discouragement?
What brought Moses to his breaking point? How did he respond? Did he respond differently than the Israelites? If so, how? Describe the prayer of Moses.
Describe the meltdowns of Moses and Elijah.
How does prayer change things? How does prayer help or hinder us to handle extreme pain and difficulty?
How does God respond to Elijah?
Have you ever received God’s gentle care during a difficult time? Explain.
Name some of the images David uses in his writing Psalm 13, 40, 55 and 69.
Write your own poem, song, psalm or lament.

Pastor Jen