What a great way to clear out morning congestion. And for the record, I try to be nice about where I spit – in the storm drain, in the overgrown weeds. . . not on someone’s neatly maintained garden. Actually I consider it to be a safety precaution because I’ve watched enough crime dramas to know that the police dogs will be able to track my scent if I disappear. Just sayin’.

But here’s the thing. My projection is terrible, and I often spit on myself. Yup, right on myself. And I’m not talking about on my sneaker. . . right on my own sleeve. And then I laugh at myself, but I think that’s a healthy response. Or I spit in my own path and step right in it. I’m sure it’s fun to watch.

And so I think: how often do I “spit” on myself and create my own problems? How often do I see problematic situations coming and step right into them? How often do I anticipate problems that aren’t based in truth?

Anxious Anticipation

Let’s talk about those problems we anticipate that may or may not be based in actual truth. In December I started, for lack of a better name, an “anxiety journal” where I write down things that make me feel anxious (it was supposed to be a 90-day experiment. . . today is day 230). It’s a good way for me to sort through what’s in my head and identify patterns. I’ve noticed the word “anticipate” comes up quite often as I write, because I feel anxious anticipating things happening during the day, either with plans or in my encounters with people. 

The Bible addresses anxiety and anxious thoughts enough to make me pay attention:

• “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs his down, but a good word makes him glad.” Proverbs 12:25 ESV
• “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2 ESV
• “And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27 ESV

And here’s the antidote: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 ESV

Are we going to have anxious thoughts? Yes. Do those thoughts need to rule us? No. Don’t try to make anxiety stop – you won’t be rid of it. But what are your anxious thoughts drawing your attention to? Rather than suppressing them (which may only heighten them), examine them and determine your next steps.

Just as I developed a habit of acknowledging my anxious thoughts, I’m working to develop a habit of bringing those thoughts to God. . . because He’s powerful enough to handle them. I’m not.

Stepping In It

I create my own messes. I admit it. I’m human, and so it happens. Sometimes unintentionally, but sometimes intentionally because I’m in a mood and don’t think (or care about) the impact of my behavior. (For me, that signals that I need food and then a nap.) Just like Paul writes in Romans 7:14-25, I do things I know I shouldn’t do. 

The Bible talks about this, too:

• “If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you.” Isaiah 54:15 ESV
• “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Romans 16:17 ESV (I have a note written in my Bible above this verse: “I don’t want to be this person.”)

Keep Spitting

Let me say this: let’s not be afraid to try new things or take steps forward because we don’t want to create problems. But let’s recognize that we need to move forward with intention AND be gracious when we mess up. I’m not going to stop spitting as I run because I might (I mean WILL) spit on myself. But I will recognize it, laugh about it, and move on from it (because I run like the wind).