Tension and Anxiety

Tension is a bind on all human beings, even Jesus experienced it. 

      The opposite of tension is serenity.

      How do we attain serenity and freedom from tension?

      Jesus prayed and put it in His Father's hands, “not what I will but what you will.”[1] is the answer. A hymn in the Liturgy of the Hours begins:

Breathe on me, breath of God,

Fill me with life anew,

That I may love the things you love,

And do the things you would do.

 

      What are my priorities?  Do I want what God wants? How do I know what He wants?

      Ask yourself, “What difference will it make years from now? Will my decision in this or that situation benefit me alone? Will it hurt someone else? What will be its result on me and on other people years from now? Is it a passing benefit or will it affect what we will be then. Freedom from “worldly things" Is a panacea for worldly tensions, leaving us free to love the things God loves. The Liturgical hymn continues:

 

Breathe on me breath of God,

Until my heart is pure,

Until with you I have one will,

To live and to endure.

 

Breathe on me breath of God,

My soul with grace refine,

Until this earthly part of me

Glows with your fire divine.

 

Breathe on me breath of God,

So I shall never die,

But live with you the perfect life

In your eternity. Amen.