Contemplating Anxiety
/Anxiety - what a word. I am sure this word causes a different reaction for everyone. Most of us either have our own story of anxiety or we know someone who does! Clearly, we live in a culture that is familiar with its causes, effects, challenges, and lessons learned. In my own life, anxiety has caused my family and me a great deal of pain and disruption throughout the years. Yes, years, because my battle began in 4th grade. And after 30 years, I can honestly say that even through anguish, melancholy, & struggle, that God has sovereignly guided me every step along the way. He has never forsaken me; He deserves all the praise for how He has carried me through it all and continues to carry me still! I know that He can take this struggle from me, but until/if He does, by His grace, I will continue to take one moment at a time by His kind and amazing grace.
Why on earth would I write a post on this subject? The desire is for any friend who is walking this same road to be encouraged. You are not alone. And, if anything that has encouraged me throughout this journey, can encourage you, then praise God!
Here are some specifics on how I have walked this journey.
Biblical Counseling ~ Words cannot begin to describe the depths of healing that have come through my precious counselor’s repeated speaking of the truth of Scripture into my life. She helped me understand situations from God’s perspective, and at times, simply confirmed what I was thinking. Discipleship Ministry is what my counselor calls her line of work, and that, it TRULY is! In fact, her phone number is one of the only numbers that I have memorized :)
Exercise ~ It gets my body moving and helps me get out of my head! I prefer outdoors, so I can deeply breath in the fresh air. I take this time to walk in silence, sing, listen to podcasts, or chat with friends and family. This has been so helpful that I put my walks in the calendar to ensure that they happen! Taking the time to focus on our own spiritual, mental, emotional, & physical health not only benefits us, but strengthens us to care for those around us well! So, please do not underestimate what 5 minutes of exercise can do for the body to release your anxiety and prepare you to love others well. (adaa.org)
Sharing with understanding friends & family ~ This is a HUGE one! Opening up to select friends and/or family is freeing and helps them understand you. It also might encourage those who struggle to open up, too, and it is always exciting to see God work in those moments to bring them freedom and encouragement. They also remind me that I am not walking this road alone. We can encourage one another, and I can bounce thoughts off of them! I am EXTREMELY grateful for these dear friends.
Medication/Supplemental options ~ This subject might be a bit controversial, so please hear my heart. There is a time and place for anti-anxiety medication. I have needed anti-anxiety meds twice in my life, and I am grateful for this option. What a gift that we have doctors who have studied the brain and understand how it works. On the other hand, I also take various whole-food based nutritional capsules, Omega’s, and a probiotic. As I have researched, I have seen more and more that we must care for our bodies through good nutrition. It is simply unbelievable how what we place in our mouth affects the functioning of our body. By God’s grace, I do as much as I can nutritionally & medically, and trust the Lord to give grace through it all!
The Gospel ~ How does the gospel of Jesus refresh me? When I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me. There was NOTHING I could do to earn the good news of salvation by faith in Christ alone by grace. Nothing! Even though my earthly struggle of anxiety continues on, my Savior saved me, continues to love me, AND extend his marvelous grace to me every day. I didn’t deserve it. I didn’t earn it. But He chose to give me this amazing grace. I have much hope and extreme thankfulness through life due to this spiritual gift!
Scripture ~ The Word is FULL of scriptures to encourage us through this journey. Here are some truth treasures from the Word!
2 Corinthians 4:15 says, “For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”
2 Corinthians 4.17 tells us that, “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.”
Proverbs 12:25 shares that, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
John 1:16 encourages us - “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
Isaiah 26:3 declares that, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”
If anxiety is part of your story, may you walk in hope that it isn’t the end of your story. God has allowed it for a purpose. Trust Him, and rest in the knowledge that God’s grace is certainly enough for you.
In His Grace ~ leigh anne
*The Gospel Coalition posted an article entitled “Is Anxiety a Sin?” This article is helpful in understanding anxiety in general.*
***Please know these are ONLY my own experiences. I encourage you to seek medical help, pastoral counseling, etc… if needed!***
