I think I have always struggled with anxiety, but I did not realize that it was anxiety I was struggling with. I’m somewhat of a worrier by nature and I do not have a carefree personality (type A all the way) so I always chalked it up to “this is just the way I am, it’s not a big deal”.
But the problem with anxiety, is that it is a big deal. I’m sure everyone’s experience with it is a little different. However, anytime I start to feel anxious it’s almost like that feeling you get when you know you’ve forgotten something. You start to panic wondering what it is you’ve forgotten and you begin to feel warm and your stomach drops.
I remember one time I was standing in my kitchen unloading the dishwasher. Out of nowhere, I had a full blown anxiety episode. I still remember it clear as day, and that was also the day that I realized I needed to do whatever it took to overcome those feelings.
I have found that I struggle with anxiety the most when things are going well- I am always looking over my should thinking “When is the other shoe going to drop? What’s the bad going on that I’m not seeing?”
We all have anxiety and worry for different reasons and I think it can come from different places depending on our background or upbringing. I experience this a lot in my relationships- after my engagement ended, I was so hurt and broken that I knew I never wanted to experience that type of pain again. So since then, anytime I start to get to know someone new, I immediately start waiting for it to all crash and burn. This really isn’t a great way to live, you know?
I’ve definitely gotten better about not worrying 24/7, but it’s still a struggle and I’ve been looking for some scripture to cling to when I feel anxiety creeping in. I’ve been reading through Proverbs and this verse popped out at me:
“You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.”
Proverbs 3:25-26 (NLT)
I was so amazed at how well this sums up my anxious feelings- it truly does feel like I’m always afraid of a sudden disaster. But, this reminds us that Jesus is our shield. Not to say a shield will keep us from experiencing bad times- but it will keep us safe while we walk through our battles. If we are chasing righteousness and His will, regardless of the circumstances, He is going to keep us from falling prey to the evil and bad that is in this world.
Something that has really been on my heart is praying and speaking scripture in my prayers. I feel like it adds another element of strength when I’m praying to weave in scripture and speak back to God what He’s written for us to read.
When you feel anxious, start to pray and keep this verse or any other verse you find comforting in mind. I would also say that therapy/counseling and reading books on how to deal with anxiety can be extremely helpful. But, always start with Jesus and He will show you what additional steps to take to work through the problems you’re facing.
If there is something you are specifically anxious about, I would love for you to DM me and I’d really like to pray for you during my own quiet time. Or, I’d be even happier to pray with you. Sometimes just having someone else to pray over you and intercede on your behalf can truly make a huge difference in your spirit. I know I have always been so thankful anytime someone has done that for me!
Bailey Kennon 