Being Anxious for Nothing

... is easier said than done. Some days worry and anxiety feel so heavy that it's literally like having a weight on my chest. The past couple of days have been that way for me. Strangely enough, it has had little to do with the threat of hurricane season (not that that isn't worrisome). It has been the kind of week where multiple little things have added up to create a giant mound of anxiety. Things that I know I shouldn't let bother me have found a way to sneak in and wreak havoc on my otherwise peaceful life. People's responses and reactions to my situation, and the insensitivity of some have really gotten me down lately. I know that these are human reactions and that they aren't uncommon. Still, I'm embarrassed to admit it. It's not part of my good side. I've got to confess, though, that I'm struggling.

I often turn to God's Word when I'm feeling this way. I wish I could say that I "always" do, but that just wouldn't be true. Thankfully some of these verses are tucked away in my heart and are there when I don't even think to search for them. For example, Philippians 4:6 (NASB) is one I've had memorized for years: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." That's an excellent reminder for me. I like practical advice. Today, however, I came across a new verse that was like a breath of fresh air. It spoke to exactly what I was feeling. "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." Proverbs 12:25 (NIV). What I need, then, as a cure for this heavy, anxious heart, is a kind word!

Isn't it true that sometimes when we feel like a total failure, when it's like we're stuck in a rut and can't seem to gain any traction, or when we feel like giving up, that a kind word can be so helpful? No, it won't change my situation. But it can help change my attitude. Knowing that someone is out there who genuinely cares, who sees me for who I am outside of infertility yet doesn't pretend that it's not there can make a huge difference. I probably sound pretty needy right now. But let me tell you what a positive difference it makes for me when my husband wakes up in the middle of the night to keep me company when my mind is racing and I can't sleep. Or when a friend makes contact and allows me to take my mind off of my troubles for a while. What a difference, and all because of a kind word.

I'm not a very poetic person. I write like I think, which is pretty darn practical. There's a song that says what I'm thinking, though, called Borrow Mine by one of my favorite artists Bebo Norman. I'll leave you with the lyrics. Let us not forget about those we know who are hurting today.

Take my hand and walk with me a while
Cause it seems your smile has left you
And don't give in, when you fall apart
And your broken heart has failed you
I'll set a light up
On a hilltop
To show you my love
For this world to see

You can borrow mine
When your hope is gone
Borrow mine
When you can't go on
'Cause the world will not defeat you
When we're side by side
When your faith is hard to find
You can borrow mine

Take my love when all that you can see
Is the raging sea all around us
And don't give up 'cause I'm not letting go
And the God we know will not fail us
We'll lay it all down
As we call out
Sweet Savior
help our unbelief

You can borrow mine
When your hope is gone
Borrow mine
When you can't go on
'Cause the world will not defeat you
When we're side by side
When your faith is hard to find
You can borrow mine

When you are weak
Unable to speak
You are not alone
The God who has saved us
Will never forsake us
he's coming to take us
Take us to our home

You can borrow mine
When your hope is gone
Borrow mine
When you can't go on
'Cause the world will not defeat you
When we're side by side
When your faith is hard to find
When your faith is hard to find
You can borrow mine

Take my hand
Take my love
Don't give in
Don't give up