Gremlins
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:19
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
Insight
"First of all, keep him out of the light, he hates bright light, especially sunlight, it'll kill him. Second, don't give him any water, not even to drink. But the most important rule, the rule you can never forget, no matter how much he cries, no matter how much he begs, never feed him after midnight."
Most of my fellow 80's kids know that this quote comes from the beloved comedy horror film, Gremlins. When it came out in 1984, I was only six (stop doing the math in your head), so I had to wait a few years until my older sisters rented it on VHS to experience the odd sensation of being frightened and uncontrollably laughing at the same time.
The story follows Billy, who receives a strange creature as a pet from his father. When handing over the fury mogwai, the shopkeeper's grandson implores Billy's father to obey three important rules. As you probably guessed, those rules weren't followed, and, as a result, Gizmo spawns other creatures that go on to create chaos and mischief.
I think a big reason why Gremlins is one of my favorite movies is due to how easily I can relate to the turmoil that unfolds on the screen. Even though the film was set in the fictional town of Kingston Falls, my mind could have served as the ideal location. Dealing, managing, and trying to overcome anxiety is part of my story. I've spent a good portion of my life fighting off the gremlins that try to occupy my thoughts and lay waste to any hope of peace.
When the author of Psalm 94 speaks about battling crippling anxiety, he's inadvertently describing the plot to Gremlins. He says these thoughts "multiply within him." At night, they come out of hiding and have a party. A worrisome idea acts up. An uneasy feeling jostles for position. They multiply and get stronger. One concern turns into another, and before too long, they've taken over.
Nothing good comes from treating our anxiety monsters as if they are pets, but that's precisely what we do when we enable them to run free. Our gremlins are different than the ones Billy dealt with, so the rules we need to follow change as well.
First, we must expose our anxious monsters to light because fear thrives in darkness. Anxiety gains its power while undercover. Forcing them out of the shadows by sharing your struggles with God and others cripples them.
Second, we must drown our anxiety gremlins with water. If we drill down and look at our anxious thoughts, we see that at their foundation is a longing for life and uneasiness over the potential of not experiencing it. Jesus described Himself as living water. He invites all of us who are thirsty to come and drink. All of our longings find their fulfillment in Him. The more we meditate and rest on this truth, the weaker worry becomes.
And, third, we must starve those worry beasts. They feed off of every negative thought, so when we let our minds run unabated, we are setting up an all-you-can-eat buffet for them to feast upon. The longer we fail to address our anxieties, the fatter they become. But, it doesn't have to be that way.
Little by little, with reliance on Christ, support from family and friends, and, if needed, help from doctors, we learn to address the issues of our heart while making it a habit to think our thoughts. It's His consolation that brings delight to our soul.
Reflection
What anxiety gremlins have you allowed to take up residence in your mind?
In what ways are you feeding them and allowing them to thrive?
Prayer
God, may I take the steps necessary to calm my anxious mind. I will not let my fearful thoughts run wild and feed into them. Instead, I will expose them to Your light and allow Your peace that passes all understanding to bring calm and rest to my soul. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.
