Dealing with Anxiety

Most of us deal with some level of anxiety daily. Yet, if we are not careful, it can grow and become a big problem in our lives. It can cause emotional and mental havoc on us. Most often it will manifest itself out of the blue or unaware. Everything is going fine, and all of a sudden it hits you. I know this is what happened to me. All of a sudden I had a major anxiety attack and then many others that followed at different levels. As a strong Christian leader this caught me by surprise. 

How can this be? 

I am a man of the Word and prayer. I am being used by God to preach and teach the Word of God with the power of the Holy Spirit. All of a sudden you begin to question your faith. As a Christian leader, the first thing that comes to your mind is that it is a spiritual attack. Therefore, we buckle down and read the Bible more, pray more and go on retreats. When this doesn't seem to be working, you begin to question God and doubt yourself. Often people will counsel you to take a vacation or get away and relax somewhere. This is a good thing, but not always the solution or the complete solution.When this doesn't make the problem go away. You then begin to think about getting counseling, or some kind of medical help. This can be real confusing. Do you go to God or do you go to another spiritual leader, or maybe a professional therapist or a doctor to prescribe you medication for anxiety. I found it to be not one or the other, but often a combination of them all. Not only the question of who to go to for help, but who is the best or right person to help you.Yet, ultimately you need a Word from the Lord on what to do to get out of the dark hole that you are in mentally, emotionally and maybe spiritually in. 

Here are some lessons I have learned or learned.

1) You must go to God first.

2) Secondly, you need to find someone who will stand with you in it without judging you, but love on you.

3) Thirdly you must soak in the Scriptures and immerse yourself into listening to worship and declaring the praises of the Lord.

4) You must seek someone who has gone through what you have gone through and found the victory. This can be a difficult thing to find.A person who has gone through extreme anxiety, depression or mental break down are hard to find. Not that there are not many who have experienced this, but few are willing to open up about their own experiences or willing to share their experiences with you. One thing thing that I have learned, if the person hasn't walked in your shoes, he will not really understand what you are experiencing or able to effectively help you through your struggle. People will want to help you and give you counsel and empathize with you, but will lack the ability to really relate to what you are facing.

5) Discover what is causing the stress, and anxiety. Then try to figure out how you got to the point you are at. Then take the necessary steps to walk through the stresses and anxiety. The steps to take will vary from person to person, and depending on what brought it on. 

6) Recognize that you are not as strong as you once thought you were, without condemning yourself.

7) Don't be to proud to admit that you are in trouble and that you need help. 

8) Call on prayer warriors.

9) Recognize where the battle lies if possible. If not clear, use multiple tactics to address the issue. (spiritual weapons, mental weapons, medical weapons)

10) Meditate on the promises of God, declare them and stand on them. Recognize the lies of the world, others, and Satan's. Don't let the Job counselors get you down. Those who are trying to whip you back into shape or saying that you are the problem.

11) Trust and rest in God's love and goodness. He is always on your side and seeking what is best for you. He is not looking down on you in a judgemental way, but with compassion. and love.

12) Seek practical ways to manage your stress and anxiety. Yet, don't run away from your anxiety, but except the reality of them without being judgemental about your thoughts or feelings. Rebuke all forms of self-condemnation. 

13) When you come out of the other side victorious. You will be better and stronger. Also, you will be better equipped to help others who are facing the same things you faced.

Hebrews 2:18 - "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 4:16 - " Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."