Abstract: Be Anxious For Nothing
Anxiety is an addiction,
an old pale friend,
so comfortable around me,
he comes uninvited to my soul.
We’ve been friends for so long,
I forget how much of a terrible bastard he really is.
Even when he’s not around, I look for him,
because I don’t know how to live without sorrow or strain.
But…
My King says “Be anxious for no thing.”
Be sad for nothing,
Be nervous for nothing,
Be worried, frightful, and scared of nothing.
Let no concern bother my heart or mind.
Feels like a trap.
How do I stop something that feels automatic,
built into the way I live life?
Answer:
Live life another Way.
Anxiety is a tar baby*,
no matter how hard I swing or kick,
I slide deeper into his bullshit.
`
When I fight and scream,
I block the Way forward.
My friend, my addiction,
is not mine to battle or defeat,
He is the Lord’s to destroy.
My task is to ring the bell,
when Mr. Shitty comes calling.
In all things, I will let my voice rise to the Throne.
When the world feels dark,
and people are indifferent to human suffering.
When I feel fat and bloated,
when I compare myself to a more attractive man.
I will let my worry rise to the One who can do something about it,
And, I will find good things to consume my heart and mind,
like beautiful memories, strong trees, and delicious food,
for these are His goodness too.
*I use the term “tar baby” in the historical sense of the term, not as a racial slur. The story of Br-er Fox and Br-er Rabbit is one I remember from kindergarten. I didn’t have a clue nor was I taught the historical nature of the story. It’s old and found in various cultures as far back as ancient India and Iran.
This poem is an attempt to see anxiety as something we cannot engage in or fight on our own. The more we struggle as the tar baby meant for Br-er Rabbit, the more trouble we find. Our power comes when we confess our cares and allow the Holy Spirit to fight for us. Then, we get to engage in thankfulness and think happy thoughts- which is an active process. Jesus is our briar patch. He’s our safe place. As Christians, we must never forget it.
