OVERVIEW
Have you ever feel so lonely about your life? Lonely of losing someone so precious to you that you also forgot how to live happily. I know, that's deep. Or maybe you are discouraged, you're disappointed about yourself, everything you've planned didn't happen the way you wanted it to be. You're not contented with your life now, however, you're thinking that you can't do anything about it.
Well, you're wrong! You can do something about it! We all have dreams in our hearts. We are all capable if we believe!
C.S. LEWIS says:
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
ROY T. BENNETT says:
"Take responsibility of your own happiness, never put it in other people’s hands."
ROY T. BENNETT says:
"Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”
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.
We all have different ways of how we can keep ourselves busy. But reading a good book is not going to harm you. In fact, 10-15 minutes a day and you'll gain a lot of wisdom. Moreover, where can we really get wisdom and understanding? Yes, you know the answer, from God. Besides the Bible is the Word of God, and the Word of God is the final authority of our lives!
PROVERBS 2:6
"For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."
PROVERBS 3:13
"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
6. LISTEN TO WORSHIP SONGS
Instead of worrying, why not create an atmosphere of worship. Instead of listening to heartbreaking lonely love songs on your phone, why not listen to uplifting and joyful songs. A song of praise that will remind you that God is bigger than your problems, He's even bigger than all that you're going through.
I know, I've been there, as I was listening to sad songs, break up songs, emo songs, I felt so emotional that I am deeply feeling the pain. Why do people always want to torment themselves? Before I don't have any idea, it just feels right, right? But now I understand that it's just a trap the enemy uses to demotivate us and play with our own feelings and emotions. So I tell you, open your phone and turn on the music that will comfort you, encourage you, and remind you that our Maker is in control.
7. BE CONSISTENT AND STAY POSITIVE
And as you learn how to overcome anxiety, be consistent day after day. It's a battle! Don't look back, don't doubt, continue to believe, pray, and nurture yourself. Nonetheless, if you entertain the thoughts again, it might knock you down this time, you'll never know. So govern your thoughts and seek God's wisdom. It is said in:
PROVERBS 2:2-5
"If you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, If you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God."
The wisdom from the Lord shall direct our paths. So now, choose to be positive and be consistent! You're already victorious in Christ Jesus. Amen!
PHILIPPIANS 4:8
""Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.""
FINAL THOUGHTS
Anyone can experience anxiety. That doesn't mean you're exempted whether you're a psychologist, a doctor, or even a Christian. That's why it is important to guard your thoughts and your heart always.
You may be battling with depression now. I say, do not be afraid. Your life is in God's hands. You can recover! I've been there!
Know that anxiety can be overcome. You must, however, be determined to fight and not give up. There is hope as long as there is a ray of light shining in the midst of the darkness.
Always look on the bright side even if you aren't seeing it yet. Keep the faith and persevere!
With God's help and the people around you, you can overcome anxiety!
REMEMBER:
JESUS DID NOT DIE ON THE CROSS SO WE COULD ONLY LIVE A DEFEATED LIFE.
YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY, GOVERN YOUR THOUGHTS!
FILL IT WITH HOPE, LOVE, AND POSITIVITY.
LISTEN TO THE TRUTH.
AND THE TRUTH IS HIM, GOD.
♥♥♥
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