Welcome to Gaia! ::

I am sorry to hear how much you are struggling. Anxiety can certainly be a tormenting feeling that looms over our lives. It's also can be very incapacitating... A feeling that I can also relate with. It can be an exhaustive loop of emotions. We stress over whatever is bothering us in our lives, then seeps in frustration, anger, and then depression. It leeches out into different aspects or our lives that we never imagined possible. It's amazing how powerful our mind can be and influence us. In that respect, I have no doubt that is how dark forces work against us; through the mind. It prevents us from truly glorifying God in our lives. How can we touch the lives of others or serve Him if we are frozen in fear and anxiety?

I can see your point about low self-esteem being a pride issue, to an extent. Being too involved about the flaws and insecurities in ourselves rather than focusing that attention for the positive that we can spread outwards. Is that what you meant? I apologize if I misunderstood.

The reason why I wanted to talk about this topic is because I have currently been in a very "fearful" state for over a year, now. To the point of being incredibly paranoid. Between the (what could have been fatal) car accident I was involved in, my cystic brain tumor diagnosis, and being given the boot from my nursing program... Well, you can say I have a bit of a phobia of even leaving the house unless accompanied by my partner. It truly has been no way to live. That being said, I have recognized this as a problem and how incapacitating it has been.

Though, there are some Bible verses that have caught my attention that I would like to share.







There is so much emphasis on "action" in The Bible. There absolutely is the power of prayer. However, we also have the responsibility to take action. Definitely easier said than done, right? That is where prayer, meditation upon His words, and faith comes in.

We both know the kind of energy that goes into stress and anxiety. So much that it makes us exhausted and convolutes everything. If we are constantly spending time and energy exhausted, confused, frustrated, and emotionally drained... There really isn't much room to do much else.

In my opinion, there is some good news to being a worrier. There is a TON of energy there that you can utilize. I mean, stressing out isn't easy! Imagine how tired you feel after an emotional roller coaster. You just need to find a way to hone it and channel it.

Before the accident, diagnosis, and being knocked out of school -- I was still a pretty depressed and anxious person. Someone helped me to realize what was making me feel this way. I didn't particularly feel great about my eating habits, my weight, and overall health. One day, I made the decision that I was tired of my predicament and began to walk everyday for one hour. Then I began to go to the gym. I began to train with a trainer. Within a few months, I had lost 50lbs and even got in enough shape to do Cross-fit weekly.

I cut out all of the excuses in my life. Was it difficult? Absolutely! But not only was I allowing myself to have more control over my situation, I was also channeling a lot of that energy into something that was constructive. I began to apply this to other areas of my life; such as volunteering and joining a bowling league. Sometimes we have to "get out of our own way".

It's easier to sit back behind a screen of a computer and say all of these things. I acknowledge what I need to do, sure. But the real test is going out and making small actions in our lives, and diving in instead of delaying or making excuses for ourselves. That being said... While I turn to God and pray for the strength to help me get back on my feet and walk towards building a life with less stress and anxiety.

It does take time... Sometimes it does even warrant a visit to a doctor or therapist. However, I would first suggest seeing the preacher of your congregation. Personally, I don't go to a church at the moment, but I have seen therapists/doctors. Sometimes it also helps just to talk to a friend. I am here for you if you ever just need to vent.

I will also pray for you, brother, that our Eternal God and Father may lift your spirits during this difficult time. May He protect you and grant you discernment from worldly distractions that penetrate the mind, heart, and spirit. We humbly ask that He strengthen you to walk alongside Him, on a path that will help bring you peace and clarity in your journey. May He send us out into the world with confidence of His word, to serve Him, and bring glory to His name. Amen.