Be worried for nothing

As I sit in Sunday school class, my teacher brings up the subject of fear. In the book of Philippians, we are commanded to “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). The instructor asked all her students the following question, “What do you most worry about?”

Immediately, my health comes to my mind. Recently, I had the worst pancreatitis attack I have ever had. It was almost six hours of crying, shaking and screaming in pain. I was so thankful, after receiving several rounds of IV pain medicines in the emergency department, the pain finally relented. Unfortunately, a half hour after the pain ended, it started back up again. Another half an hour passes, and I am shaking and crying in pain. Pain medicines are given; my pain and cramping in my pancreas resist the drugs. The pain intensifies as the attack continues. This second pancreatitis attack is worse than the first attack. Again, after many narcotics are given, the pain and cramping in my pancreas ceases after nearly six after from its onset.

As these recent pancreatitis events play out in my mind, I feel the anxiety and worry flow through my body. I have always feared having a pancreatitis attack, but now knowing I can have one pancreatitis attack followed immediately by a second episode grips my body in a tight vice of fear. Moreover, my pancreatitis attacks usually occur several weeks to several months apart. Lately, they have been happening about once a week. The thought of having to endure the hours and hours of excruciating pain makes me want to cry.

As my Sunday school teacher continues her lesson, she instills in her students the need to stop these thoughts as soon as we recognize them. We need to take everything to God in song and prayer. I cling to her words. I want to be free from this fear and anxiety. I want to just live my life not worrying if eating breakfast/lunch/supper will cause a pancreatitis attack. As awful as it is to suffer through my pancreas pain, I know nothing can be accomplished by fearing my next attack. Every day is a challenge to rise above my pancreatitis; every day I shall try to keep God’s Word and give Him all my stress and anxiety. May God give me strength to keep on keeping on.