7.31.2008

anXiety

I have to confess. I am at my wit's end with anxiety. Being driven by fear is horrible. Royally. As a motivator to some sort of action, anxiety I would say would be one of the least desirable things to drive oneself or others. I don't feel like I'm bringing this anxiety on myself. Well, maybe I am not bringing it purposefully, but I sure am not on the stout lookout and providing a solid defense for it.

To explain, I'm living with my parents again for the summer. A lot of their motivations for their actions and habits, in my opinion, are due to fears and anxieties that exist in their lives. I find myself falling into their course of living, not because I want to necessarily adopt their principles or allow anxieties to be a base factor for actions, but mostly because I a) lack the courage to confront them about their anxieties or b) I'm trying to honor them and submit to them in a non-confrontational, non-aggressive manner. They would never admit the extent to which I think fear and anxiety is a part of their lives. Don't get me wrong, a lot of them are perfectly valid anxieties to have in life. Anxieties are going to exist. It'd be near impossible to stamp those out or spend the kind of energy required to do so. I even think a some anxieties in life, at low levels, is a healthy and good thing. But just because you have something in your life, doesn't mean you should let it grow or develop into a viscous beast.

B.O. is like that. We all have it. It's naturally a part of our existence. A little bit is fine. No harm done. Just a reminder it's time for a shower. Left unchecked, it can grow to be something that you, and the people around you, really don't like.

That may be a stupid example, but a better one is that Jesus didn't plug into anxieties. He had every reason to do so. There were plenty available to Him. People wanted to kill Him, stone Him, kill His friends. He could worry about people turning to Him for their salvation. He was dealing with anxieties way beyond our modern day ones "Do we have enough money in the bank?" "Will I be able to afford college?" "Will I find someone to pursue Christ with in a marriage?" "Will the people around me accept me into community?"

Jesus handled all His beautifully. His example is the one to strive for. I would encourage you to read about Jesus and the times He faced potential anxieties. How did He handle them? How'd He react. What'd He do? (hint: prayer)

I still struggle with anxieties and being surrounded by more of them doesn't help. I can't be Jesus when it comes to how I handle anxieties, but I can seek to be like Him. Prayer, which I lack discipline for, is the best thing I think can help.

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 4:6-7 NIV)

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