The following column was first shared with CBF Chaplains/Pastoral Counselors in their monthly newletter…

In every piece of “systems” literature, the counselor/leader/minister/chaplain is encouraged to be the “non-anxious” presence. I’ve never been able to become totally non-anxious. There always seems to something lurking around the corner, another shoe that is about to drop, or the sky perhaps about to fall. I’m working at being LESS anxious. Since eighty percent of what we worry about never happens anyway; LESS anxious is attainable.

In the last few months, anxiety has been riding high around our offices. Our system is experiencing lots of transition and expected change. Resignations, retirements, position shifts, organization restructuring have all added some anxiety into our system. Staying “less anxious” has been a challenge to be sure.

One day in the midst of it all, Daniel Vestal ended his comments in a staff meeting with these words, “I have great confidence in Providence.” And, suddenly, my anxiety calmed, my worries lightened. His confession has become my confession and a life prayer of sorts!

I know that you minister in hard places and are usually dealing with anxious people all day long. I know that you find yourself in the midst of crisis and pain and anxiety at almost every turn. Have great confidence in Providence!

There really is not something lurking around the corner, another shoe dropping is just another shoe, the sky is not falling. God is still guiding, strengthening, and assisting. I’m not sure what the days ahead hold for any of us, but, I have great confidence in Providence! How about you?

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