Battling Anxiety – Finding Truth in Christ Jesus

Hey y’all,

First, I am so thankful you are here, and I have prayed for you! Before you really get into this post, please take a second to pray! Pray that God opens your mind and your heart to receive the message that is meant for YOU.

Second, I have not posted in almost 20 days. Why? Because I let myself get the best of me. Like I’ve said a thousand times, I am my own worst enemy.

I am going to be very transparent with you because that’s what God is leading me to do, even though it is absolutely terrifying. It is EASY to talk about things that I have overcame- it is an entirely different beast when it is a current struggle. BUT I truly hope that through my own struggles and mistakes you become liberated in Christ Jesus.

I have struggled with anxiety and depression for a very large portion of my life. Life is a funny thing and God truly didn’t promise easy- but he has equipped us with the tools that we need. If we’re not too stubborn to use them (more on this in a minute).

Life is truly a journey and it has mountains AND valleys. We don’t get to enjoy the good without sometimes having to endure the bad. When I am on those mountains and life is great, it is easy to forget what it is like to struggle. When life is good, I’m like: “Anxiety who?!”

But y’all sometimes my anxiety is crippling, and it literally chokes me. We live in a society where when people ask if we’re okay we respond with: “I’m fine. It’s fine. Everything is fine.” Honestly, this is my catch phrase. Most of the time I say it in a joking manner. But are we pretending to be fine even when we truly aren’t?

Guys, life is hard. Period. And it is OKAY to be overwhelmed. The way you respond to being overwhelmed is what makes the difference.

My anxiety comes and goes like the rain. But just like the rain lately- it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. When my (unnecessary) panic stays heavy on my chest, anxiety’s bff, depression likes to come hang out. All the while I just let the two move in… Even though I KNOW that God has my back. Even though all it takes is 10 minutes studying His word and seeing His truth to make me feel better… Sometimes the enemy’s lies overpower that logic. Sometimes I get so far in my own head I forget my identity in Christ.

Why didn’t I write in 20 days knowing that I feel better when I spend more time with God and writing is therapeutic? It is truly a head scratcher isn’t it?! Because I wouldn’t set my pride down long enough to let my Creator take control. Like I said: I am my own worst enemy.

Now that we have talked problems let’s talk SOLUTIONS!

First, in the United States, 18.1% of people ages 18 and older struggle with anxiety. That may sound like a low percentage to some, but that is 40 million people. It is so so important to know you aren’t alone in this struggle.

But most importantly, God’s TRUTH talks about anxiety. Lately, I have been flipping open my bible randomly and seeing if I can find a verse that related to what I want to talk about and today I found this gem (these verses brought such peace):

Psalm 13:2 (NIV): “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?”

Guy’s this is David’s cry to God. If David struggled with these things, do we really think that we get a free pass from them?!

After meditating over these verses, God spoke to me. Told me that my enemy will triumph over me simply as long as I let him. When I feel overwhelmed I repeat this verses in my mind. They’re a constant reminder that my enemy will triumph over me if I give him the power to do so.

Verse 5 and 6 go on to say:

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”

Kind of a slap in the face, right? David is modeling here to take our anxiety and our despair and to cry out to God. And then when we’re done crying? LEAVE IT THERE.

Leave your anxiety.

Leave your depression.

Leave your eating disorder.

Leave your unhealthy relationship.

Leave your ________.

Whatever it is, leave it at God’s feet and then TRUST in His unfailing love that He will take care of your problem.

And then what? REJOICE. Praise Him even in the valley.

Listen, I know that is hard. I’ve been “wrestling with my thoughts” for 20 days. And LOSING. It is so hard to give up your flesh and accept your identity in Christ Jesus.

But we need to recognize, as Christians, that even if a mental illness is suffocating you… God has given you supernatural power to battle it.

Pinterest is a fantastic tool for finding encouragement. It takes a simple search and you’re bombarded with bible verses.. Find a verse that brings you comfort and peace. Write it down. Meditate over it. PRAY.

When you surround yourself in God’s unfailing love it makes it so much more difficult for the things of this world to drag you down.

 

I hope that you found this encouraging! Most of all, I hope you found this liberating to get you out of whatever rut you might be in!

You’re here !!! which means you made it through the entire thing! I love you dearly and I would love to pray for any specific need you might have! There are links to my social accounts all over the website or if  you would prefer, you’re welcome to email me at: yourpathwaytopurpose@gmail.com

 

SPOILER: My next few posts will be going into more detail about our identity in Christ as His children and about verses that will set you free. If you don’t want to miss these make sure to hit the “Follow Me via Email” button!!