Life Between Your Ears

I've heard it said "you live your life between your ears". In other words, what's going on in your mind is your reality. I tend to agree. When I had panic attacks, it never occurred to me that no one else was experiencing the fear I was experiencing. But it was my reality alone because of what had been going on between my ears. Medication helps deal with the physical aspects of panic and anxiety attacks, but it takes renewing your mind--your thought-life--to change your perceptions of what is real and what is true: in other words, to change your life between your ears.

That's what God and His Word did for me and continues to do for me on a daily basis. After telling us not be to anxious and to pray about everything, Paul said in Phil. 4:8 "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 ON THESE THINGS." (emphasis mine) So thinking on these things will help keep our minds occupied in a healthy way instead of with anxiety.

I find all THESE THINGS first in my relationship with Jesus and God's Word. That's what renews my mind and transforms my reality. So if I seem a bit obssessed with my relationship with God through my Lord Jesus and God's Word, now you know why. This obssession has exchanged a mind filled with fears into a mind filled with faith on most days. Sometimes I have difficult seasons, and my nervous system balks, but God's grace gets me through. Glory to His Name!

 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.Trust in the LORD forever for the LORD, the LORD is the Rock eternal." Isa. 26:3-4 NKJV

 

Another favorite of mine: "The mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." Ro. 8:6b I keep this one in my kitchen. :)

He Cares for You

Found this posted on http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/category/fear/  ---

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“Not only will He never leave you...but He cares for you. He is not just there with you. He cares for you. His care is constant—not occasional or sporadic. His care is total—even the very hairs of your head are numbered. His care is sovereign—nothing can touch you that He does not allow. His care is infinitely wise and good so that again in the words of John Newton, ‘If it were possible for me to alter any part of his plan, I could only spoil it.’”

—Jerry Bridges, Trusting God, p.199.

Coming to God just like we are is easier if we will remember that our Lord cares for us. Even when we screw up, even when we fail of faith, He still cares for us.  I love the verse in Romans 8 that tells us nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. His steadfast love is what I depend on.

I spent some time today on my patio swing and meditated on God and me. I told Him how I wanted more faith, how I wanted to be all He created me to be, and how I wanted to know Him more. He is my Rock, my safe place, my hiding place, the Source of my mind's peace. All my scrambling comes to an end when I get alone with God and rest in His love for me. How could He love someone like me? I am so flawed. I am so weak. But He has made it clear to me in His Word and I have His testimony in my heart that He "does" love me, He "does" care about me and for me. There is no God like my God. How I long to live a life worthy of His love and faithfulness to me. I asked Him to help me do that today.

Redirecting Our Anxious/Negative Thoughts

I’ve been re-reading Who Switched Off My Brain?: Controlling toxic thoughts and emotions by Dr. Caroline Leaf, and ran across some really great information. I also found similar information by Dr. Archibald Hart. Both Dr. Leaf and Dr. Hart agree that people who suffer from anxiety need to pay attention to their thoughts. An excerpt from Dr. Leaf’s book says: “What you do and say on the outside must reflect what you think on the inside. A lack of congruence causes stress and affects the way information is processed and memory is built. Framing your world with your words involves replacing negative thinking and words through a right attitude shift. You do this by: acknowledging that an issue exists, reflecting on what is wrong with it, considering how you can cope with it, asking whether you can do it alone or if you need help.”

Dr. Hart says: “Daily write in a small notebook every bothersome thought, event, or person that comes to mind. Ask yourself, “Which of these can I take care of right now? Is there anything I can change? Then take that action immediately and cross that thought off your list. Take the rest of your list—things you cannot take care of there and then and pray about them. Commit them to God. Then close your notebook. Doing this at the end of each day or whenever a bothersome thought occurs will help transfer it from your mind to paper.” If your mind keeps harping on an issue, write it down as often as you think of it. Pray about it. Then move on to other things.  

Dr. Hart also suggests writing down several good events that have happened in your life that bring you pleasure when you remember them. (Phil. 4:8) Write them on a card to keep with you throughout your day. For each event write down two or three specific things that happened that makes the event pleasurable for you. Keep this card with you at all times. Every hour or two review one of the memories on your card. Re-live it, savor it. Meditate on it for four or five minutes. Then return the card to its safe place and continue about your business. In this way you’re redirecting your thoughts away from anxious ones.

You can do this with pictures, too. Not long ago I found an old picture of my husband and me when we were celebrating his birthday in his parents' backyard. We were dating at the time—still teenagers. It made me smile to remember us back then. I’ve looked at it several times this past week and smile every time as I relived those wonderful days of getting to know each other and just being together. My children’s pictures bring wonderful memories to mind as well.

And there is always Scripture meditation—both Dr. Leaf and Dr. Hart speak of the importance of meditating on Scripture.  I’ve been reaping the benefits of that--as you know.

The more we concentrate on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praise-worthy in our lives (Phil. 4:8), the more positive thoughts and memories we’ll have to fill our minds and hearts. We'll then be more congruent--positive on the inside and on the outside. Faith-filled on the inside and acting in faith on the outside.

 

More Verses to Battle Fear

Beth Moore has put together a booklet of verses for battling the stronghold of fear and anxiety. It's entitled, Fear and Courage, The Great Forsake and Take. The title comes from the fact that we need to "forsake" fear and "take" courage.

Here's the link: http://blog.lproof.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/The-Great-Forsake-and-Take-Final.pdf

I already printed mine out! :)

May God richly bless you as you continue believing Him for freedom from all your fears. He is able! Oh, yes, He is able!

Who Is In Your Grandstand?

Kathleen Hart, wife of Dr. Archibald Hart, retired Professor of Psychology and former Dean of the Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California, asks this question in a counseling dvd I watched recently, "Who is in your grandstand?" It really opened my eyes to the importance of not putting myself, my parents, my husband, or anyone else in my grandstand. The only One who belongs there is Jesus Christ. This idea of "grandstand" assumes we're all performing for somebody's approval. I've been asking myself,  "Are my decisions being influenced by God, by my own misguided self, or by the people whose opinions I value most?" When God is not my priority person, I make unwise decisions.

Kathleen Hart emphasized there should be only One in our grandstand, and His Name is Jesus Christ. When we "make it our goal to please Him" (2 Corin. 5:9, NIV), life works and we are happier children in the Lord. Our hearts, souls, minds, and spirits are freed up from trying to please others and from trying to fullfil our own selfish desires. Instead, we are filled with the peace and love of Jesus, and we begin to operate out of that sense of His loving, healing presence in our hearts. We seek guidance from His Holy Spirit and humbly submit to His perfect will. Living out of that guidance, love, and peace that guards our hearts and minds (Phil. 4:7, NIV), we become more of a positive influence to those around us. Instead of seeking the approval of others to fill our needs, we become people who have something of great value to offer--Christ Himself--the only One who truly satisfies our deepest, heart-felt desires, who heals our deepest wounds, who rebuilds minds, hearts, souls, and bodies, and restores broken relationships.

He makes all things new. (Rev. 21:5, KJV)

June Hunt, Christian Counselor

June Hunt has many counseling helps that are downloadable and free in addition to books that speak about fear, worry, rejection, verbal and emotional abuse, grief, depression, etc. Her link for short teaching videos: http://www.hopefortheheart.org/2011/10/i-dont-think-that-my-life-has-any-purpose/

Confession and Forgiveness

Life has a way of beating us up, doesn't it? I know I've felt beat up a time or two this year. Difficult, stressful situations wear me down. They tend to bring out the worst in me. I'm forced to see things in me that I thought were dead and buried since I've begun walking with the Lord. It seems there are some things in me that just refuse to die. Then, when the dust has settled, I wonder, "How can I face the Lord after this?" But I go to the Lord anyway because He is everything to me. Without Him I have no hope of changing, no hope of surviving.

I thank God that He loves me so much that when I come to Him and confess my sins, He does not shame me or despise me. He welcomes me, forgives me, and loves me. I may get disciplined, but I would rather have the Lord's discipline than live without being reconciled to Him.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

Nothing is better fuel for the Enemy's fire than the discouragement that comes from sin, especially if we sin after we've made a fresh commitment to the Lord or have been walking in joyful fellowship with Him. But I've learned to immediately go to the Lord and confess so that "times of refreshing" can come...and the sooner the better!

Just look at how compassionate our God is:

"He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust." Ps. 103:10-14 (ESV)

Thank you, Father, that you do not deal with us according to our sins. Thank you that you remove our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. Thank you for your compassion to those who stand in reverent awe of you. Thank you for remembering that I am dust. Help me to live each day in submission to your perfect will and authority. Help me align my mind, heart, and soul with your Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I may have the power to live as you want me to live. In Jesus' name. Amen.

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress

This article is from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America--www.adaa.org. I would like to also add to this list: praying to God, meditating on and praying the Scriptures that deal with overcoming fear and anxiety as posted on this blog, and meeting with God in His Word, the Holy Bible, every morning before the day begins. Let Him speak to you through His Word. Also, praying to Him throughout your day and casting all your anxiety on Him whenever you feel it rising up in you. You can be honest with Him. He is your Sovereign Lord and He is in control. You can trust Him. He loves you so much!

Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress

When you're feeling anxious or stressed, these strategies will help you cope:
•Take a time-out. Practice (stretching exercises), listen to music, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
•Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
•Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
•Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
•Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.
•Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
•Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
•Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
•Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
•Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
•Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones--like verses from God's Word (italics mine).
•Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
•Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
•Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to your clergyman. (italics, mine) Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

Fitness Tips: Stay Healthy, Manage Stress

For the biggest benefits of exercise, try to include at least 2½ hours of moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking) each week, 1¼ hours of a vigorous-intensity activity (such as jogging or swimming laps), or a combination of the two.
•5 X 30: Jog, walk, bike, or dance three to five times a week for 30 minutes.
•Set small daily goals and aim for daily consistency rather than perfect workouts. It's better to walk every day for 15-20 minutes than to wait until the weekend for a three-hour fitness marathon. Lots of scientific data suggests that frequency is most important.
•Find forms of exercise that are fun or enjoyable. Extroverted people often like classes and group activities. People who are more introverted often prefer solo pursuits.
•Distract yourself with an iPod or other portable media player to download audiobooks, podcasts, or music. Many people find it’s more fun to exercise while listening to something they enjoy.
•Recruit an “exercise buddy.” It's often easier to stick to your exercise routine when you have to stay committed to a friend, partner, or colleague.
•Be patient when you start a new exercise program. Most sedentary people require about four to eight weeks to feel coordinated and sufficiently in shape so that exercise feels easier.

A Little Bird

This morning while praying to God, I gave Him all of my recent disappointments and hurts that I had been trying to pretend did not bother me. After drying my tears, I made a cup of tea and looked out the window to my backyard. The song, It is Well with My Soul, came to mind. I quietly sang the first verse and my heart and mind became still. I thought about the words, "When sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, 'It is well. It is well with my soul'." I thought about how it can be well within me even when there is still sorrow around me. Nothing had changed outwardly after I prayed, but I was relieved of the weight I had felt. I was freed up. As I continued to stare out the window, a sweet little bird with a yellow tummy landed in the practically bare branches of my English rosebush directly in front of me, hopped a time or two, seemed to look at me through the blinds, and then flew off.

I was delighted! Such an unexpected gift. I thanked God for it's coming and felt a surge of faith and love. I felt validated. God had heard me. He had heard my prayers and sent that little bird to lift my spirits. I knew it as sure as I knew my name. I just had to share it. Oh, how I love my God! He is faithful to us all.

Morning Reading, Charles Spurgeon

Morning and Evening
Charles H. Spurgeon
February 13, 2012
Morning Reading
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God.

—1 John 3:1-2
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us.” Consider who we were, and what we feel ourselves to be even now when corruption is powerful in us, and you will wonder at our adoption. Yet we are called “the sons of God.” What a high relationship is that of a son, and what privileges it brings! What care and tenderness the son expects from his father, and what love the father feels towards the son! But all that, and more than that, we now have through Christ. As for the temporary drawback of suffering ...this we accept as an honour: “Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” We are content to be unknown with Him in His humiliation, for we are to be exalted with Him. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” That is easy to read, but it is not so easy to feel. How is it with your heart this morning? Are you in the lowest depths of sorrow? Does corruption rise within your spirit, and grace seem like a poor spark trampled under foot? Does your faith almost fail you? Fear not, it is neither your graces nor feelings on which you are to live: you must live simply by faith on Christ. With all these things against us, now—in the very depths of our sorrow, wherever we may be—now, as much in the valley as on the mountain, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God.” “Ah, but,” you say, “see how I am arrayed! my graces are not bright; my righteousness does not shine with apparent glory.” But read the next: “It doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him.” The Holy Spirit shall purify our minds, and divine power shall refine our bodies, then shall we see Him as He is.