For as long as I can remember, I’ve often been referred to as “the weird quiet girl.” When I was younger, I really did think I was a complete freak show. I would often wonder why others seemed to almost effortlessly make friends or even keep a simple conversation going, while I, on the other hand, had a stomach that was in knots and had to overanalyze every single scenario before even answering a simple question. Honestly, sometimes it was easier to just not speak at all.
On the outside I may have appeared to be just shy or super awkward, but what many didn’t see was the war I had going on inside. When someone struggles with anxiety it’s not always visible. In many cases, too, if you know you have an anxiety disorder, you’ve found that it has become a topic that is almost too common to be a discussion in today’s society. It’s been over-generalized to the point that if you actually have the ugly, crippling kind of anxiety, people will write you off as just being overly sensitive. When in reality, having an anxiety attack is like being trapped in a room where all the air has been completely sucked out and you feel as though you are suffocating.
While some days are better than others, I honestly can’t remember a time I haven’t had to deal with the anxiety dragon rearing its ugly head in the most inopportune moments. As someone who has dealt with different forms of this for years, there are many ways I’ve tried to manage it. However, the only real one thing that has given me any bit of peace in this battle is spending time with the Lord and reminding myself of His truth.
Sometimes when you’re already in a panic mode it can be hard to find a breakthrough, but I’ve come to find that the more time I spend with Him, the more I’ve been able to redirect my thoughts. When you’re feeling that consumed by anxiety about a situation or even a person it can be so easy to believe the lie that you are alone. A lie that may make you lose sight of the fact that God is always with you.
When I was driving in my car randomly one day, I started thinking about my struggle with anxiety. I remember asking God when I could get myself together, when suddenly this popped into my head,
“The root of all of your anxiety is fear. Fear is not from the Lord.”
And just like that, it was like a little truth bomb went off.
Now, while I would love to say that I’ve been completely healed from all my anxiety-related issues, I haven’t. However, I am starting to find light in the darkness by reading His word and reminding myself of His truths when I feel anxiety beginning to cripple me. Below are 5 verses that I hope will help you find a bit of truth and peace in times when you have an anxious heart. Try meditating over these verses and see what He begins to reveal to you –
- Psalm 91:4 “He will cover you with his feathers and under His wings you will find refuge. His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” This is my absolute favorite verse. It is an awesome reminder that regardless of what happens, God had got you.
- 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” Sometimes all you really can do in a stressful situation is call out to God. He hears you girl!
- 2 Timothy 1:7 “For the spirit of God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” If you are feeling fearful remind yourself that that spirit is not from God. You are an overcomer.
- Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.” Even when you can’t see a way out or if you feel stuck, God will bring you through it.
- Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” In his presence, you are never truly alone and His never-ending love is always with you regardless of what you may be thinking about yourself at the time.
Anxiety disorders can come in various forms and it’s important to me to let you know that if you suffer from any type of anxiety that you are not alone. It can be hard to drown out the noise sometimes, but I’ve finally discovered that reminding yourself of His truth daily is the best way to start.
If you are struggling with anxiety, depressions, or any other mental illnesses that you cannot seem to tackle on your own, please seek a professional medical health specialist.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-8255
