Duck Syndrome

 

By Andrea Merrell

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and 

supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests 

be made known to God, 

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

 

The man always seemed in control. Laid back. Taking things in stride. Nothing appeared to rattle him. Others envied the way he handled whatever life threw at him. But on the inside, he was a powder keg of worry and fear. A bundle of nerves—all of which led to serious health and emotional issues.

Some call it Duck Syndrome. We might see a beautiful bird gliding across the water, calm and serene. But what we don’t see is that underneath the surface of the water, he is paddling like crazy.

According to the experts, this condition describes those who hide all their stress and anxiety behind a veneer of peace and composure while they are falling apart on the inside, struggling to keep their head above water.

These same experts suggest many ways to overcome this problem: Be more aware. Set boundaries. Practice time management. Get counseling.

But for the believer, there is a better way. An old song tells us to “take it to the Lord in prayer.” That means casting our cares over on Him. Laying our burdens at His feet. Then trusting Him for the outcome.

The Bible tells us to be anxious for nothing and to pray about everything. When we do, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Sounds like a much better way to live. Let’s not be ducks but doers of the Word.

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash