“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4 NIV).
I have a tendency to get wrapped up in worry and anxiety. I spend large amounts of unproductive time concerned about whether something I said or did was received in a manner I didn’t intend. I fear that someone, somewhere is upset or disappointed with me. I preemptively stress about making correct decisions. I fear I’m not a good enough friend, a considerate enough spouse, or a caring enough mother. I wonder if I’m wasting my time by pursuing writing. Can the joy of the process truly be worth my time and effort? Is it a meaningful endeavor even if I’m never published, or am I just deluding myself?
Worry that I’m not doing enough is my constant companion. Should I call my family more? Make more effort to interact with my neighbors? Participate in more volunteer work in the community? Do I need to speak up more about social and cultural events? Should I be adding more encouragement and lightheartedness to social media? Would it be better to get off of social media altogether? Should I buy only organic, locally sourced produce and meat? Eat less meat? Support more local businesses? Am I exercising enough? Should I wear more makeup, but only the cruelty-free kind?
There’s so much happening around us that it’s quite easy to get worked up about anything and everything. We can spend all of our energy fretting about our world, our families, our roles, and our every word, decision, and action. Just thinking about it is enough to make our hearts race.
God doesn’t desire for us to live in a constant state of panic. When we see him or one of his messengers speaking to people in the Bible, they’re often trying to ease anxieties. Do not be afraid. Fear not. Take heart. These messages are repeated over and over.
Read the rest over at The Glorious Table.
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