Throughout my many years involved with music concerts and recitals of various kinds, and more recently, as I’ve given presentations through my ministry, people will often tell me that I don’t look or act nervous.
My response to that usually includes the analogy of the duck who looks very calm and peaceful above the water, but underneath, those little webbed feet are going crazy!
That’s how I still feel about events that make me a tad nervous, but for which I’ve learned to put on a calm, “I’ve got this” exterior.
It’s a charade that I’ve been perfecting for years! Even when I make a mistake during a music event, I never let them see it on my face.
I like to believe that this kind of “deception” is permissible in these circumstances, and I will continue to “fake it” for as long as necessary. No apologies.
But recently, this duck analogy took an unexpected turn—one that, I believe, carries far more power and practicality than any performance-based comparison ever could.
Is it just me, or do all problems grow big, ugly teeth when the sun goes down? Nighttime, especially as I’m trying to fall asleep, or back to sleep, is often fraught with problems that have grown exponentially once I turn the light out and retire for the night.
This phenomenon is even described in Job 7:4: “When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn.”
It seems to be a common experience that our troubles loom larger at night.
That’s been especially true for me lately, as I’ve had a lot on my mind and much to do in connection with a church initiative I’m deeply involved in.
That’s resulted in numerous conversations where I remind myself how faithful God has been. And subsequent conversations with God, asking him to give me his peace, because I know he is trustworthy.
The problem is that the lesson just wasn’t sticking. I felt stuck in a pattern of “night-enhanced” anxiety and feeble attempts to attain a proper perspective.
That all changed when God recently brought to mind the image of this “calm on the surface/chaos below” duck. God was the above water peace; I was the below water chaos and anxiety.
Somehow that image helped me get a proper perspective of what it means to truly let go of any anxious thoughts and rest in God’s incredible peace.
Do not be anxious about anything… (Philippians 4:6)
Now when the panic starts to set it, I immediately focus on the serenity of that little duck floating peacefully around the pond. And I remind myself that that’s how God wants me to view his love and protection over me, and his faithfulness to me during dark hours.
The best part? It’s working!
Sometimes God speaks powerfully through images, and I believe that’s exactly why he chose one of his precious creations to represent the peace that can only come from Him.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7