Most translations and interpretations of this Bible verse
suggest that the writer is saying something like, “Don’t be anxious for anything…” But what if the writer is saying “Go ahead
and be anxious all you want, but just know that you’re ‘anxious for nothing’. The thing you’re anxious about may or may not
ever happen, but your anxiety isn’t going to change anything. All of your
distress, if for hours, days, weeks, months or years will come to nothing. You
wasted all of that stress and energy that could have been used for positive and
pleasant purposes.”
The truth is we now know your anxiety changes plenty of
things. It changes your blood
pressure. It changes the lining of your
stomach. Your anxiety about possible future outcomes changes
your ability to concentrate on the very real things that are right in front of your
face. Your anxiety rewires your entire nervous system. All of the biochemicals in
your brain that respond to your bidding and determine your mood and your health
are affected. Anxiety changes a lot of things; it just doesn’t do anything to
change the thing you’re concerned about.
Another part of these verses that I find absolutely
fascinating and useful is “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” Part of the reason most of us suffer with
chronic anxiety is because we think too much.
And we think we can think our way out of anxiety and into a peaceful
frame of mind The truth is if we want to have a peaceful frame of mind, then we
have to allow God’s peace to bypass our thinking and take up residence in our
hearts. And as those words of the verse continue,
this process will guard our hearts and minds.
Z
So if being an anxiety ball is A and being completely at
peace is Z , how do you get from A to Z? That is an excellent question with a
multitude of answers. This is something
everyone has to figure out for him or herself.
Some people pray and meditate as
suggested in the verse. Other people
practice yoga. Many people do something
active like sports or exercise. For some
that exercise is nothing more than a brisk walk. But even a casual stroll
through the woods can work wonders for the nervous system. In other situations, it's well worth the time and money to seek the support of a trained counselor.You have to find what works for you. And once you find it, do it as often as possible.
Last thing. The New Testament writer says when you pray,
pray with "thanksgiving". Gratitude is one
of the most powerful forces available.
Being thankful can create a virtual transformation of your disposition.
It has been said that while you are feeling
grateful, you can’t feel anything
else. Gratitude crowds out all other
emotions. Thanksgiving shouldn't be just a Thursday in November for family and feasting, but should become a way of life. With these simple changes, instead of being anxious for nothing, you can begin living for something.
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