Use These 2 Bible Verses for Strength
A couple of years ago, I was experiencing some health problems. My doctor shared in the confusion of my symptoms and ran several blood tests. When I followed up with her a couple of weeks later, she explained all my labs had come back normal. Then she asked, “Have you been experiencing any stress?” I had been asked this question by doctors before and had always been quick to downplay any symptoms that could be related. However, on this particular day, I decided to open up.
I found it hard to concentrate, and I was more tired than usual. Sitting down and making a menu plan or grocery shopping seemed like more than I could handle. So, I had gotten into the routine of running into the store daily for a few items to avoid the brain work. I figured it was the typical brain fog that comes from motherhood. My doctor kindly told me this wasn’t usual and thought I could be dealing with anxiety.
Anxiety is weird in that way. At first, it can feel subtle, then slowly take over, and it’s hard to pinpoint what caused it – motherhood, health, relationships, finances, everyday life or all of the above.
Anxiety can consume us and stop us in our tracks. It can make us feel as if we are walking through our day blindfolded. It cause us feel like it’s hard to breathe and even makes us want to check out.
When anxiety has a hold on us, it has absolutely no hold on God.
Even when life feels chaotic, and we can’t shake the stress, we can always find peace knowing God alone is with us.
Sometimes, acknowledgment is the first step to getting help. Other times, a walk helps, as well as fresh air, prayer, time alone or time with friends. But sometimes, these things aren’t enough, and we may need to talk to a counselor or take medicine, which can be challenging to accept when we want to handle it on our own.
Striving to do more and control it only makes the anxiety worse. I know. Two verses I’ve clung to when dealing with anxiety are:
- “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2 ESV).
- “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control”(2 Timothy 1:7 ESV).
Often, it’s the earthly things that bring me anxiety. When I can remind myself to focus on the things above, it helps. And when I remind myself that fear is not from God, I remember I am not alone in fighting anxiety. He has gone before me, and He will go before me again, and again, and again. If you, too, are feeling anxious, stressed, fearful, or experiencing anxiety, He will fight for you too.
Sarah Nichols is a writer who loves encouraging women by sharing hope-filled stories that point others to Jesus. She lives in Tucson, AZ, with her husband and four kids. You can find more from Sarah at http://sarahnicholswrites.com.
