The word “hotspot” has many definitions. It can denote a trendy club, a location of internet availability or even a place of high activity in a war zone. Superheated hotspots under the earth’s crust have created volcanic chains on the earth’s surface. The Hawaiian Islands, recently so devastated by wildfires, form a hotspot chain.
In a forest fire, hotspots are a threat. Live embers, unseen and buried under scorched vegetation, can reignite and cause a new blaze if not extinguished. According to fire fighters, hotspots that appear in sequences of two to three days have a high potential of becoming full-blown forest fires. Crews use methods like hot spotting, cold trailing and mop-up to stamp them out. They are thorough, trekking through steep canyons and high mountains, going over and over areas of potential flare-up.
People have hotspots, too, problems we hide away and leave to smolder. Sometimes we block them out or give them a passing glance, but often we only try to treat the most obvious symptom: the smoke. Some use moralism or legalism to try to address the outer indicators. Many use nutrition, rest, medication and other remedies to sweep away the signs, thinking, “There. That took care of it.” However, the issues that keep flaring up deserve another look because they’ll ignite time and time again if not tackled.
Have you noticed a pattern of being angry or critical? Maybe it’s anxiety or unforgiveness. How about people-pleasing, overspending, substance abuse or overworking to the detriment of your family? Recurrences of these things are warnings that more is going on. They are our cue to go to the cross.
We begin by presenting a whole and open heart to God, warts and all. The intentional act of giving him control allows the Holy Spirt to do its powerful work. Our Creator sees what we, in our finite humanity, cannot. As David said, “Who can discern his errors?” (Psalm 19:12, ESV). Only God can discern and heal them on a spiritual level.
As he does his work, we participate. We may need to make amends, become more accountable or make a fundamental lifestyle change. Whatever is needed, don’t give up! “Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:4). Be assured that God will be there to help you extinguish your hotspots and move ahead in wholeness and health.