Let Go of Anxiety

#Fenelon #100DaysintheSecretPlace #OolaFaith #anxiety #letitgo #FindingOola

"Let your anxiety flow away like a stream." Fenelon

I have made decisions in the heat of deep wounding. I know I'm not alone. We are people of deep passion. Sometimes we are carried away in the moment of eruption. Weak against the sudden expulsion of steam and lava. I'm working on forgiving myself for giving into the momentary relief. I'm also working on giving myself grace and mercy.

Other times, though, I consciously allow anxiety to work it's claws into my soul. I ruminate on what was said, what I thought was meant, and how it has affected Me. Yes, the capital M is for Me, Me, Me.

How small, how insular the world of hurt, offence, and unforgivingness becomes. It is bitter water, stagnant; a cesspool.

Fenelon's advice is sage wisdom to the hurting soul.

"Listen to God and be deaf to yourself."

In the heat of the moment it's difficult to hear God. That's why the daily pursuit of God is so important. If you build the habit, or the spiritual muscles, of quieting your self and listening to God during peaceful days, they will be at the ready during times of volcanic distress.

Bill Johnson from Bethel Church in Redding California teaches that during times of distress, confusion, and upheaval, reach for the Psalms and read until you hear your own voice. Then keep reading until you hear God.

King David is my kind of people; passionate, heart on his sleeve, wordsmith.

Ever since I could read I've gravitated to the Psalms. His gut wrenching honest ranting and questions resonate in me. But it's the full circle conclusion of God's sovereignty and goodness that bring me back to the lap of Papa. That's where I am deaf to my voice. That's where I hear Him singing love songs over me. That's where anxiety flows away like a stream.

Anxious thoughts

try to take hold

of my mind.

They have no

hands to grab,

but I do.

Shall I grab hold

as they drift along?

Shall I hold them down,

examine them?

Can I reason with anxiety?

When I do they embed

poisonous claws

and take hold of my soul.

No! Let them go!

Let them flow away

like water in a stream.