Pit Fall…
Recently, I was in a pit of anxiety and fear.
It usually hits when I am least expecting it.
If you have ever struggled with fear and/or anxiety, you know what I am talking about. If you have never struggled with it, please keep reading. More than likely someone you know is struggling, or you may face it one day.
Through the years, I have learned tools to assist me when fear hits my heart like a bolt of lightning.
Every single time, I get so angry at myself for allowing this “thing” to take over my heart and mind.
However, I see so many times in God’s Word, “do not fear.”
Obviously, God knows that we as humans will struggle with fear. He created us and He knows how we are hard wired.
Fear and anxiety, if managed, will draw us close to the heart of Jesus.
In these hard times, the only Peace that we truly crave is Jesus.
It is just a fact.
I call it a “pit” of fear and anxiety because that is just what it feels like. It makes me think of walking out in the woods, wandering around and then just falling into a pit that I was not aware of.
There are things we can do to guard our hearts and minds, however.
It has taken me years to realize this, so if you have not realized some of these things, do not feel bad. I am a slow learner and often God has to keep repeating the same thing over and over to me.
I made a list of triggers that produce fear and anxiety…some of them you may relate to…
Triggers:
-the news
-social media
-googling things (symptoms, information, etc)
-watching scary movies or crime shows
-secular music
-asking questions that I do not need to know the answer to—morbid curiosity.
-excessive (or even moderate) caffeine intake
-lack of exercise
-certain foods can trigger heart palps and nervousness
Here is what I have found that brings Peace:
-Reading God’s Word (Hebrews 4:12)
-Memorizing passages of scripture (Psalm 119:11)
-Praying for others—takes the focus off of myself—this is HUGE (James 5:16)
-walking outdoors, being outside-the world is BIG and we are small. (Psalm 19:1)
-serving others (1 Peter 4:10-11)
-fellowship and connecting with other Christians (Hebrews 10:25)
Listen, I know this is not rocket science. But, really, neither is faith. It is simple and child like.
Thank goodness!
And he (Jesus) said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
If there was such things as a PHD in fear and anxiety, I would certainly be highly decorated!
God wants to bring FRUIT from all of those years that I was tormented by fear and anxiety. He will not waste it! He will not waste your struggle either.
Just listen to the words of Joseph in the book of Genesis…after he had been sold in slavery by his brothers and it was surely looking like his life was over.
”You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
Friend, no matter your struggle, God can and will use your story for GOOD.
How many times have we been encouraged by another’s struggles in our very own lives?
It is God’s Masterpiece!
This entire website was created by writing and sharing personal, very personal and vulnerable struggles.
God gives strength to the weak.
“The Joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
Paul, so pointedly reminds us of this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9…
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Today, use the weapons you have in your arsenal to fight the battle of fear and anxiety. With God, the victory is already yours.
no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 54:17
climbing out of that pit,
jill
