Inside me
Anxiety is not the same as having too much to do. It can sit in the body: a tight stomach, sleep that will not come, thoughts that run. Jesus speaks to troubled hearts without saying “just stop thinking”. The worry may become prayer. Peace does not come from everything being solved, but from it being brought. If the worry will not let go: tell someone. You do not have to carry it alone.
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
What it means
Do not be anxious — meaning: stop carrying the worry alone. Take everything to God in prayer, with thanks. Then a peace bigger than understanding will guard heart and thoughts.
How you can live it
Write down what worries you before a meeting or a deadline. Pray one sentence for each thing. Thank for one small thing you already have. Then do the next task.
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.
What it means
He does not say the worry is silly. He says: trust me with it. Faith is not that the heart is already still — it is who you lean on while it is not.
How you can live it
When worry comes at night: ‘my heart may be troubled, but I trust you.’ Breathe slowly.
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
What it means
He does not want only the pretty worries. He wants the ugly ones too — the ones you would never pray out loud. Care here means he is not tired of you.
How you can live it
Picture putting the backpack down with him. One thing at a time. He wants it.
A prayer
God, the worry will not let go. Receive what I cannot put down myself, and give me peace in what is left. Amen.