It waits in the shadow of thoughts; sitting real and large on my chest like a rock pressing sharp edges into earth’s soft soil. Settling into tender places until the pressure builds and the corners of my heart fracture enough to allow tears to seep through and thin shocks of electricity shoot down my arms into the tips of each finger–seeking release.
I’ve been managing anxiety well for years, but its risen from dormancy the last several weeks. I’m not terribly surprised. For a short time, my husband was hospitalized. A colleague threatened suicide. A dear one is battling against the stronghold of depression. And the only evidence now of a long-time canine companion is a small pink collar and unused dog dish.
Unwelcome, apprehension greets me in the morning and whispers in my ear as I lay my head on the pillow at night.
You should have done something for her today. Why didn’t you call him? What if he doesn’t know how important he is to you? To God?
I gather the thoughts and then release them in prayers.
Friend, when we feel impossibly small as we hack away at anxiety–burdened by the hard of circumstance or overwhelmed by worry, remember that Christ conquered every power. Every principality. Every plot to separate us from Him. In His name we can stand against the lies of the enemy, denying satan the right to shift worship from Christ to concern.
Pray against worry. Pronounce Christ’s truth over yourself. And, cling to His promises.
Blessings,
Tammy
Action Steps to Help When You are Anxious
- P-When assaulted by an anxious thought, immediately pray against it. Renounce it as powerless in the name of Christ. (John 14:13)
- R–Remind yourself of God’s promises. Memorize scriptures you can pray back to Him when you’re struggling. (James 4:8)
- A–Ask others to pray with and for you. (James 5:16)
- I-Develop intentional habits to help ward off anxiety. These might include daily Bible reading and meditation, regular exercise, and eating well. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
- S-If anxiety becomes part of your day-to-day struggle, seek help from a counselor or doctor. (Proverbs 12:15)
- E-Press into God, enduring with patience and hope for He will bless you. (James 1:12)
I love the acronym for action to combat anxiety! I’m your neighbor at Susan’s today :). May God be with you as you practice PRAISE!
Hi Anita. I hope it’s helpful. 🙂 Have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for a great post. I saw this just when I needed to.
Hi Victoria. May He encourage your heart today.
Hi, Tammy. Yes, anxiety is very real and sometimes feels like it crushes your heart with the weight of it. No matter how fierce it is, I am comforted in knowing that God cares about me and will respond to my cry for help. And He does. It’s been several years since I experienced it like that. I am thankful those days are behind now.
Stopping by from Trekking Thru.
Hi Cindy. I am so grateful you’ve been released from anxiety. What a blessing!
I do struggle with anxiety, so these PRAISE action steps are good for me. Thanks, Tammy!
Hi Lisa. Praying for you as you begin the day anew and asking Him to shield you from the arrows of the enemy. Blessings, Tammy
Anxiety is somewhat insidious. It creeps up unawares and sometimes takes me by surprise. I usually say to the Lord, ‘I thought I gave this to You, Lord’. Only I realize, I unintentionally, just pick it up again. Thanks for this post.
I often pick up my concerns again, too. It can be a struggle, but He is faithful to give me His peace every time. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks
I have never experienced the type of anxiety you feel but those I love do. Thank you for sharing it helps me love them better. It sounds as though you have lots on your plate and a few losses to go with it. I am so sorry. Sending prayers for you. Over on my blog I am doing a series on loss right now. the year 2017 was filled with loss. People and our beloved dogs. I am no expert but I am muddling through and learning as I go. Great post!
Great acronym and action steps!
Thanks for the tips! Much of my anxiety comes from medication I take, but there are times when I lay there and wonder, “what else can happen?”
Hi Sarah. I hope the action steps help as you deal with the impact of your medication. Many of us understand. Blessings, Tammy
Yes, anxiety is real and I know some people struggle more than others. I love your acronym to remind us of steps to take to help combat that anxiety. Praise God that He is with us and will carry us through. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #HeartEncouragement
Those are some great action steps that you shared. I have struggled with anxiety, too. I’m so thankful that I can take my worries to God in prayer. This was a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing at Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature it tomorrow.
Thanks for the offer. It would be an honor to be featured. I’ll pray other women are encouraged. Blessings, Tammy
These are great tips! I like the acronym.
I find that the two that help me the most in those moments of attack are the first two. For me, binding the spirits of fear and lies and conceit and idolatry and/or whatever else I hear God telling me to bind, in the name of Jesus, chases those demonic disturbers of the peace away and brings a feeling of calm. Sometimes quoting Scriptures like Jesus did in the wilderness can be a huge help also!
I love Psalm 94:19 also! Thanks for reminding me of it!
Absolutely! Quoting Scripture is a great help. Have a great night!
I have been a long time suffering of seasons of anxiety. In fact, it was through my anxiety that the Lord drew me to Himself and I gave my life to Him. So I can honestly say I am thankful that I struggle with anxiety because it keeps me close in thought and mind to the Lord.
Thanks so much for sharing these actionable steps for taking every anxious thought captive to the obedience of Christ.
Blessings,
Hi Karen. Thank you for sharing part of your story with me. Isn’t it amazing how God can use even our worst trials to draw us close to His heart? May He continue to shepherd you through the struggle. Blessings, Tammy
Tammy, I loved this. So true and to the point. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for many years. I have found God to be faithful in carrying me through all of it and that is primarily what my blog is about. I love your points at the end and especially asking others to pray with and for you (that doesn’t come naturally to me.) Thank you for writing this.
Hi Susan. I think asking others to pray for me is the most difficult step, too. He is faithful!
Such a helpful post, Tammy. Thanks so much for sharing. I love the acronym for PRAISE when we are battling anxiety. Grateful to have found you as a feature post at Deb’s site. Praying you’ll be blessed with a peace that’s beyond understanding.
Hi Carlie. Thank you for your words. May we all turn to Him to have our anxiety replaced with His peace. Blessings to you!