What makes you anxious, and how do you manage it?
I have always been anxious about going someplace new or places I do not go to often. I get extremely anxious driving to places that are a good distance from home, busy or just unfamiliar, especially when alone.
This past week my husband needed to travel for work which required me to drive to and from the airport. One would think this is an easy task. Well, for me, not so much.
We live in a small community approximately sixty-two miles from the airport. It is sixty-two miles on a well-traveled road but still through an undeveloped area, and it freaks me out. I have driven this path quite before, but I always had someone in the car with me, which gives me a sense of security if something were to happen.
Due to this anxiety, when he has gone out of town before, I would convince him it would be so much more convenient if he just drove himself and kept the car in long term parking for the week. I would not need the car anyway. However, he did not like that option this time around. He thought it would be nice to spend time together and grab dinner in town. So, drop him off I did. Now all I need to do is drive all the way home alone. Deep breath. You have this.
Maneuvering in and out of the airport is not that hard but transitioning from highway to the interstate then to an additional highway to make my way home, with traffic, can be challenging. I kept repeating the directions to myself. Just do not miss your exit.
The drive home was a white-knuckle adventure. I could feel myself shaking until I could see the outline of civilization ahead. I made it! Whew. I pulled the car into the garage, and there it sat until I had to head back to the airport 4 days later.
The day to pick my husband up finally arrived . It began like most days, coffee, and time with God. Then a slew of random tasks to keep me occupied until it was time to go. My husband’s flight did not land until 5 p.m. so I had all day long to stress about the drive.
Fast forward 2 days. While spending quiet time with God I went back and read what I had written that morning before my drive, ‘Father, you know the drive gives me some, okay, a lot of anxiety. Lord, I give that to you as I know you are with me. “For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.’
While reading those words, I realized something amazing, my drive into town that day was free from anxiety. I was calm and relaxed. How did I miss the fact I was not freaking out all the way to the airport?
The explanation. God had answered my prayer, took the anxiousness from me, and gave me the most amazing gift. Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” That peace that passes all understanding was upon me. I found myself in tears over the idea that God would love me so much that he took away my anxiety about, what I would now describe as, a simple drive to the airport.
If this is the first time you are reading this verse or if you have read it a thousand times, I encourage you to remember its words. It is a promise. A promise that God has made and He always keeps His promises.
God Bless-
Your Friend, Rho.
