Something to Lean On

Recently, I had a great privilege to speak to the women’s group here at First Presbyterian. There was no topic given (tricky!) so I took the opportunity to share a bit about my life. Specifically, I focused on some key moments that have shaped me and ultimately led me to Coeur d’Alene and First Presbyterian.

I’m not going to share the whole talk here - way too long!  But, I am going to share one of the key components of my talk and 

Jenny Shotwell

how it has impacted my life and my choices along the way - I worry. A lot. I am a worrier. Anxiety has constantly been a companion of mine. But I am a big believer that even in our own personal challenges we can learn how to thrive by working through them - not ignoring them or giving in to them, but using them as tools of growth.

Philippians 4:6 is one of my favorite bible verses: “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, through prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your request to God”.  This verse has brought me so much comfort over the years, and continues to do so.  I have also learned that if I do not push myself through my fears I will miss many wonderful opportunities or relationships. It’s always been important to me to challenge myself and not let worry or fear keep me from growing or taking an opportunity. I can say, without question, that making the decision to push through and take a challenge in spite of my worry has driven and influenced so many stories of my life.

There are so many other bible verses and stories from God we can lean on to get through a hard time or just to bust through a hard personal challenge. We also have a rich history of music in the church that reflects these tough components of life; worry, grief, fear, uncertainty.

Some hymns that come to mind: It is Well with My Soul, Abide with Me, and there’s even a hymn called All Your Anxiety (#613)! That one must have been written just for me!

It is Well With My Soul​
♫ When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
“It is well, it is well with my soul”

Abide With Me
♫ Abide with me; fast falls the eventide. The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

All Your Anxiety
♫ Is there a heart o’er bound by sorrow? Is there a life weighed down by care? Come to the cross, each burden bearing;

All your anxiety leave it there. All your anxiety, All your care, Bring to the mercy seat; leave it there.
Never a burden He cannot bear; Never a friend like Jesus.
​

Life is full of challenges and anxieties, it’s something that I know intimately as you likely do as well. God gives us many things to lean on throughout our life and certainly one of those gifts is music. These old hymns were written by real people feeling and struggling through deep emotions. Through their music and words, we feel a kinship with them and comfort in knowing that God is with us and we are not alone.

​In His Name, Jenny
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*Note* If you do not know the story behind the writing of It is Well with My Soul (written by Horatio Spafford) I encourage you to research this. It’s an incredible story of deep sadness, incredible fortitude and tremendous faith in God.