Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

A FEW YEARS AGO, I went through a season where I’d wake each morning with my body tight in the grip of anxiety. Though I slept well at night, the anxiety returned with a vengeance each new day.

It reminded me of a college friend who went to see his doctor because he thought he had a throat problem. Each time he would try to eat, his throat would close up, and swallowing was difficult. But when he went to the doctor, he was told that his physical symptoms were a manifestation of the inner anxiety he felt.

Now, more than a decade later, the erratic beat of my heart reflected my own inner turmoil. Seeking peace, I tucked Bible verses into the edges of my mirror to remind me of God’s love. I also began to notice the lyrics of the songs I listened to. My dad always said that if you’re not singing the gospel, you’re singing the blues. I love the blues, but I understood. As I listened, the words in the songs felt like a healing balm, a reminder of God’s goodness that I desperately needed.

One of the cassettes I listened to as a child featured upbeat 90s music with lyrics based on Scriptures. So many years later, I can still recall a tune set to the words of Philippians 4:6-7. As my anxiety pushed my stress level higher, I found myself humming the song on repeat, a litany of praise, a request for peace. Do not be anxious about anything. . . . And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. The Word of God is good news, and it can soothe our worries, calm our tempers, teach us mercy, and remind us of love. A good word is powerful. Though my anxiety didn’t diminish overnight, I took comfort in the good words and in the reminder that God cares for us even—and especially—when life is hard.

Lord, may the words on our lips praise you in times of joy and times of pain. Make us aware of your presence; guide us as we seek peace and healing. Let us find comfort in your great love for us and encouragement in the words we hear. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Send a friend “a good word” to encourage them.