Separation Anxiety [Not]

SCRIPTURE:  I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 ESV

THOUGHT: Separation anxiety is a thing. A thing with a DSM code. Babies have it as a natural part of development. Pets can have it. Sometimes older children and adults develop it. To be separated from the person to whom you are attached is a big deal. It can cause incessant worry, disabling fear, panic attacks and other symptoms that shut people down, interfering with work, school, relationships, and life in general. If you’ve struggled with, or watched someone you love struggle with such anxiety, you know what I’m talking about.

Can knowing God’s word help? Perhaps. You could memorize these words of Paul or write them down and paste them on your mirror, repeating them to yourself when you feel anxiety rising.

But what I really want to say is that even knowing God’s word is different from trusting God. Paul didn’t just write these words down to comfort himself (or us). Paul lived these words. He wrote the church in Corinth: Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers (2 Cor. 11:25-26).

There was a truth that gripped Paul’s heart and mind and body and spirit. He had tasted and seen that God is good. He trusted the great hands that held him through everything that life (or death, or angels, rulers, things present, things to come, powers, height, depth, or anything else in all creation) could throw at him. Paul had overcome separation anxiety about his father in heaven, and he knew he was loved. That’s a path we must walk too if we are to have peace in our day-to-day lives.

PRAYER: Oh God, you are worthy of our trust. Not just knowing about you, but deeply knowing your character from watching your action in our own lives and the lives of others, Paul included. Help us be brave enough to taste and see that you are good. To fully trust you will never leave or forsake us.