“But you’re so calm and relaxed, nothing bothers you.” I have heard this so many times. Not everyone who feels anxious acts like it. Some go inward and hold anxiety deep down inside, churning quietly, trying to appear calm and settled. Unfortunately, focusing on outer appearances only aggravated the problem and pulled my attention away from the truth that soothes my soul.
This year of walking with God brought me true peace, a peace I had never known. Sure, the waves come and the wind blows, but God always provides the shelter, the nourishing stillness, the affirmation that nothing can truly shake what is His—and I am His. His Spirit resides in my soul. All the rest is immaterial, or material, as it were.
Anxiety is of that stuff, the material stuff. It forms when I align with the outer and not the holy. It grows when I believe I must be worldly instead of Godly. Anxiety cannot be of God. Anxiety is fear and God is grace. I began some walks feeling anxious but always left blessed with peace. When God walks with me, there is nothing to fear, no reason to worry. In His transcendence, I transcend.
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. Romans 8:5-6
Meeting God at the Park 