From the College Chaplain

Rev. Paul Yarrow 

Frayed probably best describes well how many of us are feeling right now – a bit worn around the edges, a little unravelled. Some days are better than others as we navigate these challenges at present.

 

We can't help feel what we feel, but we can choose how to respond to our feelings.

On a cold day we wear a jacket, perhaps we enjoy a warm coffee and find a cozy space to avoid the Ekka westerlies.   If it’s a warm day we don’t put on a scarf and beanie, instead we find some shade or grab a cold drink.  We choose how we respond to our physical feelings. This also applies to our emotions. We can’t help experiencing our feelings but how we respond to them is up to us.

 

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Church in Philippi, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Philippians 4: 6) This is not that we should not feel worry or anxiety, but it is that we should not dwell on it. Engaging in this thinking only adds to our anxiety.

 

The Greek word used here for 'anxious' means going to pieces because we are being pulled apart. Ruminating on all the negatives we might face may result in us falling to pieces. It pulls our thinking apart from hope and optimism which increases our anxiety.

 

When the Scriptures say, "Do not be anxious," this is not to deny our feelings, but rather it’s an encouragement to react in a constructive and helpful way. When it is cold or hot, the situation may not change, but we can do things to help us cope better. When we are feeling frayed, we may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can use positive strategies to get through them.  Paul’s advice is to reach out and share your anxieties, connect with God trusting that God has us in his care. Don’t dwell on feeling frayed, rather take action to look for things for which you are thankful and the small joys in life each day.