“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me great joy.” Psalm 94:19
Recently, I made a decision in my life that was difficult. I decided to break up a relationship that I was in for a very long time. I broke up with anxiety because anxiety is like a bad boyfriend.
One morning, soon after waking up, I began to think over the things I needed to do for the day. It was going to be a busy one. Usually when it is busy, I begin to think up different scenarios and how I would plan for them. It is exhausting and something that I know serves no good purpose. As I was mulling over my thoughts, I said out loud, “I’m done with you anxiety, I’m breaking up with you because you are like a bad boyfriend.” (I am so glad I was alone when I said that!)
Anxiety is like a bad boyfriend because:
- it makes you feel horrible about yourself
- it makes you afraid to do things-large or small
- when you try to take a step of bravery-it makes you doubt yourself and brings you back to that dark place
- Even though you feel bad, anxiety is somehow comfortable and you want to feel like something you know
For the longest time, I didn’t know any other way to cope with difficulties than to be anxious and worry. So, through a lot of prayer, being prayed for, meditation, words of knowledge and different therapies-God has shown me, I don’t need to waste one more day being anxious because I have already lived that way for years and it has not given me any joy.
Days will come that are more stressful and harrowing than others. But I know it is possible to respond to these situations without harming my body (by way of panic attacks or muscle spasms-soreness) or having bad thoughts that bring me no help.
People watch how self-proclaiming Christians act and talk. I remember a coworker, who wanted to become an esthetician had asked me if she could practice by giving me a facial. I gladly excepted. She was a non-practicing Catholic siding more with the New Age philosophies. We were talking and I was starting to get anxious about a situation. She said, “I thought you were a Christian? Aren’t you supposed to have faith and trust in Jesus? You certainly don’t sound or act like one.” OUCH…I hate to admit it, especially in her non-loving way, but she was right. I was not being a good example of being a follower of Jesus. That was in 2003…better late than never.
My hope is that someday, anyone who has suffered from anxiety, will break up with it. However you get there, just get there. I do recommend Jesus though.
Lesson Learned: I’m leaving room in my life for joy and hope. There is no place for anxiety anymore.
Prayer:
“Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for showing me how anxiety is a lie from the pit of hell. I ask for protection from fear over my thoughts and my soul. Renew my mind and give me strength to endure any trial. Remind me, Father God how you have carried me through trials already in my life and you make good on all of your promises. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!”
SOULUTION 