like magic

When I wake up, or sometimes even the night before, I have an idea about what type of day is ahead of me. It’s not all that clairvoyant, after awhile, if you pay attention, you start to notice the triggers. Yesterday was a Monday so in its own right, tough. Other than that, I had no initial signs of crisis. I work by myself on Mondays and a half day at that, before you start hatin', trust me this is a very small mercy.

Anxiety has been a real struggle of mine as of late. It’s such a creeper. Of course I've had bouts of it at times when it’s expected but it’s definitely presenting itself as new adversary. I’m finally getting better about equipping myself properly for it. Thank goodness. It took some time to learn a method that worked for me. Sorry, just me, not able to sort anybody else out yet.

Generally, for me,  it starts outs with physical symptoms like stomach pain, shortness of breath, headaches etc… pretty text book. It can be scary if you’re not aware of what’s really happening. Once this sets in it’s time for emotional reactions: irritability, apprehension, fear… Ugh, no fun.

This morning, I was headed to work, on time, ready for the day, when it hit. I have like an 11 mile commute to work so it was quick. Why? Lots of reasons and I’m sure unnecessary all the same. Instead of focusing on the issues, because let’s face it, I know I’m being irrational which means there’s no real resolve I’ll just swap it for another problem, I prefer to prep my crash kit, like a first aid kit customized for me. Since I can’t exactly skip work it needs to be simple and work into my day… Every day requires something different but usually consists of similar elements, a verse, some music, and a snack, giver or take a book, a walk...well, you get the gist. This time it went something like:

-Zephaniah 3:17-
The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

and
-MUSE-

and
-popcorn-

 

How incredible is that? We tend to cling onto familiar verses, things we already know and repeat when heard from others. Nothing wrong with that at all but I love when a word comes from something more “obscure” just a reminder how rich and constant the word is. He will quiet you by His love.