The Cure for Anxiety
There are a number of lakes minutes from where I live, and one of them, which is just up the road, has an amazing spot for cliff jumping. Several years ago, my wife, along with some of our friends' daughters, put our kayaks in the water and started to paddle across the lake to spend a few hours cliff jumping and enjoying a beautiful summer day.
All of us started fine, but within a few minutes, I was falling behind. Each stroke with my oar seemed harder than the one before, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't keep up with the other three. The struggle to get across the lake became an unintended workout, yet I could not figure out why I was struggling so much to go barely a mile in a kayak.
Then I looked behind me and saw that the dry bag I had packed for the day had accidentally fallen into the water, and it was causing a severe drag in the water due to its weight. Once I was able to get it back in the kayak, things became much easier. I finally arrived at the cliff quite tired, and with an ego that was only slightly less bruised. 😃
The Baggage We Carry
From time to time, I think about that day in the kayak and laugh. However, that story is also a good reminder for me to think about whether I am carrying baggage that is weighing me down and limiting the enjoyment I can get from my life.
I speak to many who carry past hurts, anxiety, anger, unforgiveness, and more in their lives. As a result of them continuing to carry it, they are weighed down and, despite "trying harder," still do not seem to make any progress.
We Can Let It Go
All of us at one time or another have carried burdens, fears, hurts, and anxiety, but the truth is, we do not, nor should we hold onto these things.
In fact, we see throughout Scripture what we should do with these feelings we have within us.
In Peter's first letter, we see him tell us to "cast all our cares upon Christ." Paul also addresses our anxiety in his letter to the Philippians when he commands them to "be anxious for nothing."
Easier said than done, right?
How to Let Go
Over the years, I have spoken to those who, despite knowing the negative impact of holding onto the negative, say they have "found comfort in it because it is familiar".
While it may be familiar, it is doing nothing to bring peace and joy.
In reference to Paul's command mentioned above, he does not stop by simply saying, "don't do it". He goes on to provide practical instructions on how we can do it and the benefits we receive when we release our burdens. The verses continue as follows:
. . . "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
There we have it, the antidote to stress, worry, anxiety, and our burdens. We are to pray, with a heart of thanksgiving, and make all our requests known to a loving and mighty God.
Once we release these things to the Lord, no matter how big they may be, He says that we will receive peace that cannot be understood, and our hearts and minds will be guarded through His son Jesus.
It's Never Too Late to Start
About a year ago, I woke up in the early hours of the morning and was overcome with anxiety. I am not normally an anxious person, so this was rare for me.
As I lay there with my mind spinning, I started to pray. I told God I was anxious, what I needed, and then began to thank Him for who He is and all He has done. In my prayer, I started to thank Him for His attributes: His holiness, justice, compassion, goodness, faithfulness, etc. It was not long before I felt peace and was soundly back to sleep.
I do not know where you are today in your life, or what burdens or anxieties you may be carrying. Whatever they are, may I encourage you to bring them to the Lord in prayer so you can find the peace that you desire.
If you do not know how to pray, just start, and I suggest starting with His attributes, as it is a wonderful reminder to know who He is and how He cares for you.
On the journey with you,
Carlos
This edition was first published in The Life Design Newsletter on LinkedIn.