Running from Anxiety
By Seeds Board Member Matthew Rowland
One morning I was out for a run and was listening to the song for Psalm 46:10. As I finished running, I sat down on the driveway to do what the verse says, to “be still.” I sat as still as I could, breathing in and out, staring off at the trees and the clouds. As I sat there trying to be still on the outside, on the inside all I could think about were the things I had to do that day. I saw the ants marching around my feet, and my thoughts marched on. I felt beads of sweat roll down my forehead onto my shirt, and my thoughts rolled down through my mind, slowly gathering speed and taking over.
Matthew 6:31 & 33 says, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
We all have different responsibilities and things we need to do. You might have homework to finish, chores to complete, or a friend you’re supposed to help with a project. Maybe you drive a truck, file paperwork, keep the house clean, program computers, or stay on top of the laundry.
No matter your work or responsibilities, it’s easy to let anxiety and worry creep in. It is easy to believe our problems are so big that they crowd out the most important things in life. These verses remind us to trust God one day at a time. Jesus said, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). When we are still before God and allow Him to be exalted above ourselves, we will experience His peace.
The song kept playing and the words slowly pulled my mind back on track, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” As I listened to these words, all the challenges and responsibilities began to fade away. It didn’t happen all at once, in fact, it took several minutes, but before I knew it, my focus was no longer in my little world. My focus turned to God and this truth from the Bible. The burden and anxiety I was feeling before were now gone.
When do you find it hard to ‘be still’ and listen for God’s direction in your life?
God, we thank you that you are a God of rest. After you created the world, you took time to rest and you modeled that for us. You created our bodies to need sleep and rest. Without it, we cannot function. Help us to rest in a way that connects us with you every day. Help us to not stay busy for busyness’ sake.
Take ten minutes and find a place where you can stare out into God’s creation and practice “being still” and “knowing He is God.” It might help to play this song on repeat a few times to help you get started. Practice this exercise until you feel the peace and calm that God wants you to experience.
