anxiety

Anxiety is not only a pain which we must ask God to assuage

but also a weakness we must ask Him to pardon;

for He's told us to take no care for the morrow.

~ C. S. Lewis

I must ask God for pardon today, for I have been most anxious. It's a funny thing, anxiety. Well, not so funny really. Not when it makes your heart race until it feels like it's going to burst out of your chest...or makes you feel like jumping out of your skin... or makes you nauseated or light-headed or faint. When an anxiety attack looms on your horizon, threatening to take control, it's not so funny. Then it is a very real "pain which we must ask God to assuage..."

For anyone who may experience anxiety issues, the physical symptoms are very real. And, interestingly, once they begin, it's usually not something one can talk one's self out of. The physical symptoms are the result of emotions, not thought, and most times, they refuse to respond to logical discussion. (that is, trying to reason one's self out of the physical response)

It is not the racing heart, or the nausea, or the thoughts of flight which really are the problem. The real issue, the weakness for which I must ask pardon, is that I lose sight of God's care for me...

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7

that I lose touch with His nearness...

The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:5b-7

that I forget to seek His peace...

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ~John 14:27

and that I let fear rule my emotions and my body rather than letting the peace of God guard my heart and my mind.

Yet, there is no judgment from God in this. Only guidance.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." ~John 14:1

And comfort.

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. ~Psalm 94:19

And promise.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~1 Peter 5:7

In the midst of my weakness--my anxiety, my worry, my fear--I have a Father Who loves me, and cares for me, and promises His presence... that I would have no need "to take care for the morrow."

* * * * *
...An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. ~Proverbs 12:25

...and a thank you to those of you, my friends, whose kind words cheer me up and cheer me on...whether or not you are even aware!