Last week discussed the subject of anxiety. That is something EVERYONE struggles with. There may be days that seem carefree, but there are many that are not. When I am anxious, I have found that often it is that I (or life in general) feels out of control. I really like control, and I suspect I am not alone.
Here are five activities that may give temporary help with anxiety.
- Laughter – comedians, funny sit-coms, jokes, funny stories, or anything that brings on deep and hardy laughter can change your mood
- Nature – a peaceful walk in a meadow or the woods can be very calming
- Discussing a problem with an optimistic friend – if you worry a lot, you can get to a point where it is hard to be objective about things and another viewpoint can help
- Exercise – there is a natural release of endorphins
- A good nights sleep – it is amazing how a lack of sleep makes everything seem worse.
BUT THEN
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE PERMANENT HELP WITH ANXIETY……….. THERE IS A ROAD
This road can be long and it involves going back to basics. It involves changing your worldview in the direction of timeless truths that have been rejected by the world. It involves learning to think differently, and that takes time.
To start, go back to the very beginning. According to Nancy Pearcey, who wrote Total Truth ( a book I highly recommend), we need to go WAY back. She says that the Christian message does not begin with “accept Christ as your Savior”: it begins with “in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The creation is orderly because He designed it that way. The laws of physics and the laws of mathematics are nothing but a reflection of God. There is nothing outside of His jurisdiction. It is true that because of rebellion, creation is fallen and waiting for redemption, but His rule and beauty are still visible. It helps anxiety to remember this.
Sometimes I will gaze at the stars and wonder how all of the heavens just go on when I am in turmoil? But they do. “The heavens declare the glory of God.” (Type in heavens in a concordance and read the verses that come up)
Knowing God would NOT help my anxiety without knowing of His character and His love for His creation. He loves you! He cares about what is troubling you, even to the smallest of matters. His word says that He knows how many hairs are on your head. Do you know how many hairs were on your head yesterday, or today?
God invites you to know Him. Read His word and learn. Tell Him you want to know Him. As you get to know Him, He can change your perspective. When you do not know what to do in a situation, you can ask Him and find practical guidance and help. Instead of following our own instincts, it is helpful to try and see things from God’s perspective. He has a much broader view! Why stumble around in the dark when you can turn on the light? We can learn what is pleasing to Him.
I will never like the feeling of being out of control, but in reality I am very limited in my ability. Therefore it is a GOOD thing I am not in control. Knowing who is and being able to ask for help makes all the difference. Knowing that He loves me and cares, even when things seem dark and bleak, brings relief from feelings of hopelessness and despair. It calms my fears.
The world says there is no God. But those who know Him are amazed at the foolishness of the world. If you are uncertain, seek Him. ” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him”. (Lamentations 3:25) Tell Him you want to find Him and know Him. There is nothing better than knowing God. All real truth is God’s truth, and finding it will guide and guard you.
It is the only way to bring REST TO YOUR SOUL
