Cries of the anxious heart
Anyone here struggle with anxiety? I’ll be the first to admit that I do. 🙋🏻♀️
Last week, I literally had the most stressful day of my life. We had to submit an emergency Application for Stay of Deportation or Removal for a client whose wife has a high-risk pregnancy due to her own medical issues, which include a brain tumor and epilepsy. After I had organized a 1.5-inch thick packet of documents, I managed to get locked out of my office. Waited for rescue. Went to the bank to get cash for the application fee. Went to ICE, was sent to another window down the hall. Waited. Sent back to first window, waited some more to no avail and then had to rush to the post office for a money order because they don’t take cash. Went to the wrong USPS, meanwhile the boss lady is calling and texting me asking for updates while my phone is on 10% battery with no charger in sight. Needed to file this thing by 3 PM, was slightly hangry and about to cry, but ultimately rushed back and filed it with additional hiccups and 2 minutes to spare. 😪
MORAL OF THE STORY (b/c you probs didn’t read all of that):
Life is beautiful with many highs and lows, but how do you deal with the stress and anxiety that comes with it? Almost every day, I ask God, “Lord, why did you call me into one of the most stressful professions out there when you know I’m awful at dealing with stress?” But I have to remember it’s for justice, it’s for mercy, it’s for equality for all. It’s tough, but I am sooooo grateful to the many people who have reminded me of God’s truth and helped me along my journey. Thought I’d share some things I have learned that have been helpful for me.
FIVE PRACTICAL WAYS TO COMBAT ANXIETY:
1/ Trace back what thoughts lead to your specific anxieties. Recognize those thoughts and triggers and use God’s truth to conquer them. Here’s something I made for myself. I highly encourage you to make a chart specific to you!
2/ Memorize scripture, as it is our 🗡 of truth! (Ephesians 6:17). For the anxious heart. I would highly recommend memorizing Philippians 4:4–9.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
It can be overwhelming at first, but memorize a little day by day and you’ll have it engraved on your heart before you know it! I like using art or handlettering as a means to memorize scripture and Google images for verses for inspiration. :)
Now let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to think of whole verses when anxious, so I like to hold onto short & simple phrases when I can’t think properly like TRUST, REJOICE & THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH. Or when my mind is too clouded to think, I just cry out to God.
In addition to meditating on God’s Word through memorizing scripture, it also helps to listen to sermons like this one on Releasing Anxiety by Pastor Ben to remind us of God’s truths.
3/ Think of an image and hold onto it when you get anxious. Mine are birds. One of my favorite songs is His Eye on the Sparrow, based on this verse:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
Matthew 6:25–27 (See also Luke 12:24–26.)
My work neighbor gave me this jar filled with bird seeds inside and on the tag, as you can see, it says “BE A BIRD WATCHER.” This serves as a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness to take care of the birds of the air and they don’t worry about a THANG. If He takes care of them, surely, surely He will take care of me, as He has time after time again.
4/ Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. It’s tough to rejoice or be grateful when you’re in a rough & tough situation, whether it’s related to your job, relationships or life problems in general. SUFFERING SUCKS. When you’re in the midst of it, all you can see is your pain. But Jesus gently reminds us to look beyond the waves crashing around us and look to Him. He went through the ultimate pain of being separated from our Father and shares our pain. He weeps when we weep. He hurts when we hurt. Look to Jesus. Find just one thing you’re grateful for today. It doesn’t have to be something crazy. It can be as simple as how the wind blows through your hair when driving with the windows down or chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. 🤷🏻♀️🙃
5/ REMEMBER WE HAVE AN ADVOCATE IN JESUS AND THE HOLY SPIRIT! I struggle with a lot of things — not feeling good enough, getting frustrated with myself when I’m not where I want to be but I have to constantly remind myself that in our weakness God works and the Spirit EMPOWERS us. HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT.
That we are never alone in our struggles and He ADVOCATES and INTERCEDES for us when we don’t know how to pray and feel helpless.
Do not let the devil tempt you into despair! WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS!!!
Hope this helps and fighting with you all in prayer. May the peace of God which transcends all understanding and blows our wee little minds cover you and guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ❤
NOTE: Me sharing these tips does not in anyway diminish the need for mental health care. I strongly believe in the care of the whole being — spiritual, physical and mental. Don’t ever be afraid to seek professional help. I would highly recommend seeking a ACBC Biblical Counselor in addition to a psychologist/psychiatrist, something I have personally benefited from.
