I enjoy running. Okay, let me rephrase that: I enjoy the benefits of running. After a stressful day at work, I often go to the gym and run to burn off that excess adrenaline. For summers in Texas, it’s typically too hot to run outside; so, I take to the treadmill to do my running.
Most trainers will tell you that a good workout consists of warming up before you exercise. To just start running when your body is not ready can be dangerous.
To follow their advice, I start my jog slow. As I hop on the treadmill, I set the speed for 3 and half miles per hour–a quick walk. After a few minutes, I increase the speed creating a more fast-paced walk. Finally, I bump it up to 6 miles per hour, and I am into a full stride now.
While running the other day, I realized how similar fear and anxiety can be to that treadmill. First, our fears are small, a slow pace. We adjust quickly to the increased anxiety and keep walking. Then, the pace picks up. The fear intensifies. Our walk turns into a quick pace. Again, we do nothing to slow down.
Then, out of nowhere, panic sets in and we start running. We can’t stop. This treadmill of fear might throw us off. So, we run harder pushing ourselves beyond our limits. We never realize that like running on a treadmill takes you nowhere, so running from fear will take you nowhere. We’re caught on this fast-paced life with no way of slowing down.
I believe God wants to come into your life and help you slow down. He knows you are weary and weakened by the fear. He knows you can’t slow down in your own strength. He is ready to reach down from heaven and embrace you in Jesus. He is ready to help you.
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:10, 13).
Prayer: Father, I feel like I’m running too fast and can’t get off of this treadmill of anxiety and fear. Lord, you are my Quietness. You are my Strength. I put my hope in you. I put my trust in you.
