Day 22: What I'm telling my worry these days.

For those of you who've read my words for the last few years, especially the words in last year's 31 day challenge, you are aware that worry is a periodic struggle for me. Okay...maybe more than periodic. It's actually more like a reoccurring patch of eczema that repeatedly shows its itchy, scaly self after years of doing all the right things. It just keeps coming back. I'm not proud of it. I'm not giving up on trying to fight it. I'm not paralyzed by it anymore. It's just kind of there. Some days it's all red and flared up. Some days it's subdued. 

This last week, I had a few days of red, flared up worry. There was a complaining session (but I called it "processing". Much more dignified, I think) and there were some tears. To be honest, I can't even fully recall or put into words what exactly I was all worried about. 

I'm guessing you've had a few of these days too. That bill came in the mail. That phone call rang with that news. You're just not sure if you're going to be able to handle what's ahead. 

How can someone live in this life and care deeply about things withOUT worry?? 

As I'm studying the deep significance of the word Enough, I realized that it plays into this pesty little struggle of mine. So I'm trying some good 'ole self truth talk. 

Enough. 
Peace, be still. 
The Lord is on your side. 

These ancient words calmed an anxious David as he fled from Saul and hid in a cave for refuge. Those words may have been all he had. If he managed to speak truth to himself when his very life was in danger, how much more will the bold truth of enough set me free from my smaller everyday concerns?

Enough striving. Enough spinning your mind in a tangled web of worry. Enough fixing. Be still. Whatever is so worrisome to you is no match next to the all knowing, deeply compassionate, oh so able Creator. And He's on your team. 

That's what I'm telling my worry these days. I'm not saying it's a quick fix. Worry doesn't dissipate with a quick pop of a truth pill. But maybe saying these words will engrain in me something new- something restorative. 

These words reach a different part of my heart when accompanied by beautiful music. So I've spent many hours with this song on repeat. If you have a few minutes, I'd recommend you have a listen too. 

Be Still My Soul {Leigh Nash}

So if you're a worrier, you're in good company. I hear you, friend. The struggle is real. Let's join forces and start speaking to our worry together. I invite you to start speaking boldly to mine.