See! We can still dream and there's still hope. I remember my sister told me once, "The desires in our hearts were given to us by God, and He will make it come to pass, just trust!" We must believe and always choose faith over our fears. It is just a matter of choice and a little more positive thinking. Our dreams will never be too far, we just have to have the right mindset.
Mind you, too much negativities in our minds can destroy us, our hopes, and dreams, it is stealing our joy. Will you allow that? It is said in:
JOHN 10:10
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
This verse became very true to me when I experienced an anxiety attack. I was longing for long-gone moments. That nostalgic feeling brought loneliness into my heart. I was so grieved and even entertained by the lies that were echoing in my head. It was shouting saying, "What now? The old days were better, right? You're not going to make it, you can never be happy!" Wow! I entertained the voice in my head and I started to feel so tired, cold that I couldn't move or even breathe. The voice gets louder and louder, saying "Die now! Just die! It is the way out." As darkness covered my body, I see myself looking at the knife. But no! I opposed! I was convicted to get up. I was afraid but suddenly, my authority came back. I fixed myself, I stand up. I prayed.
I believe you could only see stories like these on tv. However, I experienced it myself. I was afraid and that experience changed my life. I saw God's protecting hands over my life and my family. Thanks to the Holy Spirit who's always to the rescue. My best friend. The enemy almost killed me, literally! But God saved me, caress me, picked me up. The enemy wants to take my life, but God wants to give me life and have it in abundance.
WHAT ARE SIGNS OF ANXIETY ATTACK?
1. It involves both panic and fear.
2. Chest pain, difficulty in breathing.
3. Feeling weak or tired.
4. The person may believe that they are going to die.
5. Irrational thoughts.
6. Trouble concentrating.
7. Thoughts exploding, your mind can't contain it.
And what is the cause? Too much thinking! Overthinking! Negativities and worries! Just think about it, when you're worried, it means you don't trust God enough. Worries and fear are the by-products of a 'lack of faith.' Don't meditate on your problems. Magnify how great is our God, how big is our God, and how powerful He is. The Lord does not want you lonely. God wants to give you LIFE. Let go and let God.
WAYS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY ATTACK
1. WHEN NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ARE KNOCKING, DON'T ENTERTAIN!
I believe you already know how to acknowledge negative thoughts, so you can refrain from entertaining them, but if not. Here it is:
The voice of the enemy brings conflict or adversary to your mind. It strikes fear, panic, and worries. However, God's voice is so calm, it lifts you up, it gives comfort to our spirit. So the moment, negative thoughts are trying to sneak in, rebuke it in the Name of Jesus. Don't think about it. Don't entertain. Remember, you have the authority, it is one of the benefits of what Jesus did on the cross. The enemy has no hold on you and the chains are gone.
2. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST
Why is this important? Because the moment you isolate and keep it all by yourself. Those thoughts might explode on the inside of you, killing your hope, dreams, and even your faith. I believe you heard the saying, "Don't fight your battles alone." Being isolated from the world is the greatest lie the enemy uses to destroy us. Because if you're not listening to others or the Word of God, who will you listen to? That's automatic! The voice of the adversary will attack you when you're all alone and weak.
When I experienced that anxiety attack, I told my sister what is exactly going on in my head. And you know what, she encouraged me, she reminded me of who I am in Christ, she took care of me and above and beyond, she prayed for me.
If you don't have a sister or brother, you can open up to your cell leader, trusted friends, and parents. After all, those who truly love you will understand.
ECCLESIASTES 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!”
3. SURRENDER YOUR THOUGHTS TO GOD IN PRAYER
No one could ever understand your situation than your Maker. Ask the Lord to take over, take captives of your thoughts. Run to the Father, kneel down, bow down, and cried out for help. You can say whatever you want to say to Him, surely He will listen. Ask the Lord to protect you from the evil one. As you pray, you will move the hands of God. Rest assured that you're safe with God. Your assurance is in:
ISAIAH 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
4. GUARD YOUR EYES AND EARS
After the anxiety attack that I've experienced, I fast. Fasting means giving up fleshly desires. For me, it is avoiding television for one week or more until my soul desire. I remember, before it happened, I've been watching a Korean Drama fantasy-love story straight for one week. Little did I know, I was so drawn to it that stirs up strong emotions and imaginations. According to:
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:
"Your eyes are the window to your soul."
PROVERBS 4:23
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Believe me, no one can protect your eyes or ears from the negativities of this world but yourself. If you keep your eyes focused on the news, or what's trending on social media, you might be distracted from your purpose. It may cause addiction or worst, obsession. Whatever we hear or see influences our thoughts.
However I'm not saying it is bad to watch tv or use social media, it is how you will handle it. After all, I believe you can discern what's right from good, now, right? Remember! It is your responsibility to guard your heart!
5. READ ENCOURAGING ARTICLES/BLOGS/EBOOKS, MOST IMPORTANTLY "THE WORD OF GOD"
Why did I add this to the list? I mean that 'reading'. If you are not fond of reading you may want to skip this one. But this is one way of keeping yourself busy while gaining wisdom. Fill your minds with the truth, and the truth is the Word of God.
I promise you, this really helps! Especially when your thoughts keep coming back and like thunders resounding in your head. As for me, I've read the ebook entitled "JUST ONE DROP OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS" by Pastor Cesar Castellanos. That time, I was so desperate for peace of mind, really! As I read the book, I felt that it was really made just for me! It saved my life. Not the book itself but the Blood of Jesus that was shed from the cross. From there, I realized that the truth of God's Word was stolen from me. I understood that the redemption that Jesus did on the cross is complete and the enemy has no hold on me.