A shift away from Anxiety…
I once believed outside environments and people created my feelings of panic and flooded me with frightening physical symptoms. Actually it was my belief that I wasn’t safe that incited and fired up my emotions. When I felt scared or angry, I attached danger to my feelings, creating a firestorm of terror. Adrenaline would race through my body, setting off a myriad of symptoms: tremors, sweats, air hunger, racing thoughts.
I finally came to the realization that I was stirring up my own anxiety by believing the lies that I was going to die or lose my mind. When I admitted to myself that I had suffered through hundreds of anxiety attacks and yet I was still alive and sound of mind, the entrenched, scary thoughts began to lose their power over me.
I memorized Scripture that I would quote to redirect my thoughts toward God’s care of me. I selected portions that mirrored his love and constancy. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever=present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1).
Hi Patsy,
I have just recently been healed/delivered from severe anxiety. What a great God we serve that He would hear my continuous prayer. It took many years of hard work to reach this place of freedom, but I am so grateful to Him. You have been an inspiration to me as I have walked this out. Thank you,
Kris
Thomas Merton once wrote that we are not very good at recognizing illusions, especially the ones we cherish about ourselves. Most of the things we fear are based on some illusion, some misread or misperceived event or thing that distorts in our thoughts, and troubles us beyond our usual ability to cope (the machine in each of us that processes these events, though it is magnificent, it is also quite complicated, and if the measures are uneven or if the illusion is powerful enough a kind of lawlessness prevails). Like you, I found that Scripture is a great first defense. The Word helps to “right” the uneven way, to establish rule where there is no rule, and best of all, put illusion to flight.
I pray someday i have your strength to over come anxiety
I would like to learn to memorize scripture to combat anxiety and other things
I’ve faced anxiety and depression for the last six years. I get better and then it comes back. I’ve never gone back to completely normal and was told I need to accept a new normal. I can do that, but with every return I feel like my new normal goes down. I pray everyday, I’ve done therapy, and medication. Sometimes I feel like a failure as a Christian, when I read the Word, paste scripture everywhere I can see it, and I know Jesus is taking care of me, but the anxiety comes back. Patsy you are truly an inspiration and I guess I’ll just keep on trying and believing.
Melissa, learn to pray the scriptures. Beth Moore has a great book entitled “Praying
God’s Word”, which is much like Patsy says she does when she has anxiety. It really helps me.
I have problems even driving…this did not start until about 5 years ago when I was 45. All of a sudden I got light-headed, palms sweating…even my feet sweating. I felt that I was going to pass out. It comes and goes now. I can’t drive on the interstate for more than a few miles. I am also having severe depression and panic attacks. I have been to doctors. Jesus only can help me. But I don’t know how to let him help me. I don’t even want to leave the house. I am a highschool teacher, and school is about to start back. How can I help the kids when I’m such a wreck?
Read Patsy’s book, I grew up little”. I keep it in my purse to this day. You sound so much like me, and I too start school Monday. I just have to face the feelings, stand up to it, do what I have to do to keep driving. I do not even get on the freeway yet by myself! But I am determined to! Do you take anything? It helps, but Faith and trust in God and yourself is what keeps you going. Best wishes, Anita
ajsturch@aol.com
Wow, I know the feelings of anxiety and depression. I once became so bad that I was stuck in the house. I was so afraid. I still struggle but not as bad. I am social and able to functions but I know that God wants more from me. HE is my strength and anyone who takes medication is not weak….They are strong and able to realize that there are medications out there, God has provided….don’t ever feel you are weak if you take something. The Word is full of HOPE and direction. I am so thankful for the Bible and for this ministry. I am so thankful that Patsy shared years ago in my life about her struggles with her anxiety. God is so good. And…..we don’t have to be famous femal speakers to know that we are being used. Just make yourself available. Thanks for this book.