Anxiety

January 13th – Matthew 6:25

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Matthew 6:25

For the past two hears, humanity has been involved in the turmoil of the pandemic. And the anxiety it’s caused has taken its toll in the lives of so many people! But we cannot let it oppress us nor enslave us! For there is a solution. And in God’s Word, Jesus taught His followers, who were also dealing with oppression, the steps to follow. Yes we should stop being worried, uneasy, and distracted. You might say it is easier said than done, but when you realize WHO you are putting your trust in, than you can freely rest on Him and put ALL your confidence in your Heavenly Father!

When we are worried and anxious about the material things of life we behave like pagans. Like idol worshippers, we set our trust on our own efforts and set out hearts on our needs. But our Heavenly Father knows exactly what we need, and in the exact time He will provide. But we need to trust Him enough to let go. What is distracting you from receiving the blessings of His Provision for each aspect of your life? Blessings, Mari

January 13th – Matthew 6:25 Read More »

January 12th – Psalm 25:5

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Psalm 25:5

For some, anxiety is brought on by worrying about the future or how future events will unfold. For Christians, we know that our eternal future is secured because Jesus settled that on the cross long ago. He is the God of our salvation. Each moment that passes between today and our last physical breath will be a journey that shapes our preparation for Heaven and our influence on this Earth.

No two lives will be the same and there are many obstacles and deceptions that the enemy will place in our path to make us falter, stumble and lose our way. The Psalmist knew that it was foolish to try and navigate life on his own. He knew that it was best to trust in the guidance of God. God wants us to be teachable in all of the moments and events that make up our lives. He wants to help us recognize truth and avoid deception. 

God also wants us to trust His timing. That can be hard for those of us who get anxious when things seem chaotic and we want to rush in to “fix” or handle a situation on our own. So many times I have been amazed to discover that when I place something in God’s hands and relinquish the details and outcomes to Him, He  gives me peace and He shows me His mighty hand at work. Sometimes He works to change the circumstances and sometimes He works within those circumstances to change me.  Either way, I am learning as the Psalmist that it’s always best to wait for the Lord….Becky

January 12th – Psalm 25:5 Read More »

January 11th – 1 chronicles 16:34

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1 Chronicles 16:34

Did you know there is great power found in a grateful heart? It’s true, and they have research to prove it! “Scientific studies have proven gratitude increases neural modulation in the brain, in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates negative emotions. It also activates dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for making you feel good.” That’s scientific talk that basically states that the results of maintaining an attitude of gratitude is instant happiness that will prompt you to continue to giving thanks.

A good friend of mine once confessed that she had been hospitalized due to a nervous breakdown and what helped her most to recover was reading her Bible and writing down 12 things she was thankful for in a journal each day- a practice she still swears by and practices today!

Gratitude also curbs other symptoms of anxiety, helping us to deal with the disorder more effectively according to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States.

  • It can reduce Insomnia
  • Reduces stress hormones in the body
  • And can positively impact bodily functions, memory, and emotions.

 BUT more importantly, giving thanks is something that each one of us are commanded to practice on a daily basis; anxiety, or no anxiety. (Phil. 4:6-7, Col. 3:15, 1 Thes. 5:16-18, and many others)

So, How Can We Best Practice Maintaining an Attitude of Gratitude? 

(These are just a few suggestions and if you have any other proven habits, I hope you’ll share them with us as well)

1.) Keep a Journal

Write down all that is causing any anxiety, sadness, fear, etc. And then find at least 3 things to be thankful for right now. Even if it’s, ‘I’m thankful I woke up and I’m still breathing!’

2.)  Stop to Meditate

“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.” – Phil. 4:8

 Focus on all the good things in your life and start thanking God for each. You’ll eventually become a thankful person by nature.

3.) Share Your Gratitude with Others 

This may seem silly, but it goes a long way towards practicing gratitude.

Writing down your thoughts,  dwelling on the positives and then sharing your positive thoughts with God and others will go along way to develop an attitude of gratitude and squelch all those anxious thoughts that try to take over.

Blessings,

sue

January 11th – 1 chronicles 16:34 Read More »

January 10th – James 4:8

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James 4:8

What if I told you that fear is a sin? How? Because fear stems from pride. And pride submits to no one, thinking we ourselves know best. It’s the same with fear. When we let fear dictate our actions, we’re telling God we trust more in that fear than in His promises. So how do we knock fear off the throne in our lives? In writing his letter to the Jews, James gives us the tools. Humility and faith. Humility is never an easy pill to swallow. Because admitting we are wrong, being vulnerable and submitting is hard. But when we come to God with a truly humble heart, He welcomes us with open arms, inviting us to draw near to Him. To in faith, leave our fear at the door and safely shelter in His mighty fortress. An impenetrable fortress of power, mercy, and wisdom. So draw near to Him, and lay your fears at the feet of Jesus. Give Him your sorrows, worries, tears, and anxiety. Receive His healing of your heart and mind, and walk in the Lord’s freedom!

 

 

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January 9th – Hebrews 13:6

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Hebrews 13:6

Too many times we put our confidence in the wrong things. And sadly, faith misplaced in possessions and people always leads to disappointment. In turn, disappointment leads to fear and anxiety. True peace can only be found through faith in God to meet all of our needs. And not just physical needs, but our need for security, safety, protection, and peace. I heard it said that fearless love never comes without facing fearful situations. And let’s face it, this world is filled with fearful situations. But God gives us His promise to never leave our side, no matter who or what we encounter. And when we put our faith in Him alone, we stand on the unshakable foundation of the Creator and Ruler of all things. So whatever the circumstance, or who tries to hurt us, we know we have nothing to fear. For with God as our helper, we too can confidently declare, “What will man do to me?”

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January 5th – Ephesians 6:14

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Ephesians 6:14

Anxiety is dread, fear, or a strong desire to avoid or escape a circumstance, feeling, or emotion. It can weaken our faith and keep us from being the strong Christians we are called to be. Satan wants to keep us crippled and ineffective in our Christian lives. He has declared war on God’s people. And he wants to intimidate us so that we tuck our tail and run or hide. But God knows that in this spiritual battle, we need His help to be victorious. And He doesn’t want us to cower against the attacks of our enemy.

Instead, we are to stand and be protected in battle. How? By providing “Spiritual Armor” to keep us safe. The first item we must take up and wrap around us is the “belt of truth”. Upon this belt our other armor and weapons are secured. Because deception is Satan’s specialty, we must seek to know the truth that God teaches us through His Word. This  exposes the Enemy’s lies which are meant to confuse and trouble us.

Anxiety can make us full of doubt and insecurity. And it’s true that in our own effort, we can never be wise enough, strong enough or good enough to be righteous, no matter how hard we try. But God imputed His righteousness to us through the salvation of Jesus.

The “breastplate of righteousness” is the second piece of armor, secured by the belt of truth. It protects the most vital parts of us and keeps us spiritually alive. Our joy is the eternal life imparted to us by the righteousness of God that can never be destroyed. We are not helpless, worthless or defeated. We are children of the most High God and no matter what comes at us, we are called to be battle ready. In Christ….we can stand and face any circumstance. God will enable us. 

Today I challenge you to prepare for battle by putting on your spiritual armor. Have the mindset of an empowered Christian. For God wants you to be confident and able to stand against whatever the enemy tries to attack you with. And remember, you are not alone. For you have the Holy Spirit to guide you!

Blessings, Becky

 

 

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January 3rd – 2 Timothy 1:7

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2 Timothy 1:7

God’s gift of emotions can be a double edged sword. For with one side we experience love, joy, and gratitude. Yet with the other, pain, fear, and doubt. And make no mistake. Satan wields the bitter side of that blade ferociously and without mercy. But get this. He can only attack if we let him. You heard me. The Enemy can only strike when we allow him a foothold into our hearts and minds.

Paul makes it very clear in his letter to Timothy. God fills our spirits with His strength, power and love. The same power flowing through Jesus as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and walked on water, resides in us! And that power of God waits with an extended hand for us to grab hold. Because overcoming fear is a two person operation. God gives us the power, but we have to use our sound minds to practice self control. Meaning we are to actively, and intentionally take ahold of our thoughts. And filter those thoughts through the sieve of God’s truth instead of Satan’s lies.

We are in a battle of a lifetime, and I truly believe we are living in the last days. So how am I going to spend the time remaining? One thing I know for sure, is that I’m done wasting it being afraid. I’m tired of running scared. I’m tired of letting Satan control my thoughts. And I’m tired of going down the rabbit hole of “what ifs.” I’m ready to go to war, with God as my Captain.

So the next time I find myself afraid, stuck, and unable to move, I’m  going yell out the word FEAR as a call to my Father, Emmanuel, Adonai, and Redeemer. Ruler and Creator of all things, “the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4)

January 3rd – 2 Timothy 1:7 Read More »

September 22nd – Matthew 6:26

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Matthew 6:26

Corrie Ten Boom once said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” It’s only human to fret over things we can’t control. But as Christians we can let go of worry and anxiety because of the faith we have in God, our gracious Provider. Many suffer in this world with not having clean water to drink, food to eat, or shelters over their head. And as hard as that can be, life is more than just about basic necessities. It’s about working for God, including trusting Him to provide what we need to live. Jesus tells us to look at the birds of the sky. They don’t plant, harvest, or store up their crops in a barn. They live day to day, moment by moment. And still they get fed from the hand of God. We are much more valuable to our Father than the birds. And as such, we can trust God to take of us in every way. Meaning we may not always get what we want, but God promises to always provide exactly what we need at exactly the right time.

 

September 22nd – Matthew 6:26 Read More »

Living Free from Anxiety – Matthew 6

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Matthew 6

Do you suffer with anxiety and worry? You’re not alone. But God doesn’t want us living in a state of stress, and instead wants us to be filled with His perfect peace. In His Sermon on the Mount Jesus told the crowds, “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’….Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Matt. 6:31,34) …

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