As I was reading some personal development this morning, I came to this statement: “Treat each anxious thoughts with a grateful one, and prepare yourself for a new day of joy.” This is from Max Lucado’s book and devo “Anxious for Nothing”. In honesty, sometimes it’s hard to catch ourselves being anxious. Sometimes it’s because we are so used to being anxious or worried, that over time its like our anxiety becomes “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”. We can hurt others, but more directly we hurt ourself.
Just being candid with you, I have struggled with anxiety for years. Anxiety lurks inside in such a sneaky way that it is hard to find it, see it, understand it. A few years ago, I had this “lightbulb” moment. I struggled silently with anxiety. It was in the little things. I would try to hide this small thing or not talk about this situation that was important to my life. I would allow negative self-talk to happen or maybe it came when I was upset with someone or something else. Once I identified the root cause, I felt much less hopelessness, and more hope started to filter in. I was then able to identify any negative dialogue going on in my head, and stop it dead in its tracks!
Funny thing about life, it’s always going to present us with problems. As an elementary school teacher I am reminded how I teach about problem and solution to students during reading. We start at a young age learning how to be a problem solver, to identify problems and then find a solution. And don’t forget every situation is different. You can’t fit every problem in the same box and use the same solution.
Recently, I’ve had to tell my thoughts not to be anxious. God is doing so many great things in and through us, and in the process ridiculous thoughts have been trying to creep in. There is a particular quote the Lord has given me to recite over and over as many times as needed until my head gets right, and I can move on.
So, in combat, I am ready. Here are 3 ways I stay strong on the journey:
- God’s Word holds me up with a key verse or specific story.
- Sometimes it is a simple quote.
- Othertimes I just get alone and listen to praise & worship music that speaks to me.
No matter which one above I do, it typically will send me into an attitude of prayer where I can remember the goal to stay grateful.
A couple great scripture verses to reflect and pray:
Philippians 4:6
1 Peter 5:7
Take time to pray to gain peace and see new important things about yourself that need to be uprooted and mended so that you can grow!
This is so good. I suffered from anxiety for many years. It crippled me and told me I allowed it to tell me I was not capable. It hindered me from enjoying my years in the military and it led to make poor decisions. I have learned to be vulnerable and to tell my story so that it might help others cope better. I take action and routines so that I stay positive. Anxiety is not something you want to ignore and hope it goes away; it is something you have to acknowledge and take action so it does not hold you back!
I have to totally agree. Anxiety keeps a person from sharing their story, their testimony. I have been there, and I still at times struggle thinking no one cares because they don’t respond. However, I remind myself daily that when I peek my head out of my shell and start making steps forward regardless of how I feel, then headway can be made. Keep stepping forward! Thank you for sharing, reading and taking time to comment! God bless!