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.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, February 24, 2012
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.
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.
Monday, February 13, 2012
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.
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.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
God's Covenant With You
I've recently signed up to receive the Morning/Evening devotionals of Charles Spurgeon from www.blueletterbible.org. I thought I'd share this one with you all because it so blessed me.
Morning and Evening
Charles H. Spurgeon
December 21, 2011
Morning Reading
Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.
—2 Samuel 23:5
This covenant is divine in its origin. “HE hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” Oh that great word HE! Stop, my soul. God, the everlasting Father, has positively made a covenant with thee; yes, that God who spake the world into existence by a word; He, stooping from His majesty, takes hold of thy hand and makes a covenant with thee. Is it not a deed, the stupendous condescension of which might ravish our hearts for ever if we could really understand it? “HE hath made with me a covenant.” A king has not made a covenant with me—that were somewhat; but the Prince of the kings of the earth, Shaddai, the Lord All‐sufficient, the Jehovah of ages, the everlasting Elohim, “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” But notice, it is particular in its application. “Yet hath He made with ME an everlasting covenant.” Here lies the sweetness of it to each believer. It is nought for me that He made peace for the world; I want to know whether He made peace for me! It is little that He hath made a covenant, I want to know whether He has made a covenant with me. Blessed is the assurance that He hath made a covenant with me! If God the Holy Ghost gives me assurance of this, then His salvation is mine, His heart is mine, He Himself is mine—He is my God.
This covenant is everlasting in its duration. An everlasting covenant means a covenant which had no beginning, and which shall never, never end. How sweet amidst all the uncertainties of life, to know that “the foundation of the Lord standeth sure,” and to have God’s own promise, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Like dying David, I will sing of this, even though my house be not so with God as my heart desireth.
Morning and Evening
Charles H. Spurgeon
December 21, 2011
Morning Reading
Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.
—2 Samuel 23:5
This covenant is divine in its origin. “HE hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” Oh that great word HE! Stop, my soul. God, the everlasting Father, has positively made a covenant with thee; yes, that God who spake the world into existence by a word; He, stooping from His majesty, takes hold of thy hand and makes a covenant with thee. Is it not a deed, the stupendous condescension of which might ravish our hearts for ever if we could really understand it? “HE hath made with me a covenant.” A king has not made a covenant with me—that were somewhat; but the Prince of the kings of the earth, Shaddai, the Lord All‐sufficient, the Jehovah of ages, the everlasting Elohim, “He hath made with me an everlasting covenant.” But notice, it is particular in its application. “Yet hath He made with ME an everlasting covenant.” Here lies the sweetness of it to each believer. It is nought for me that He made peace for the world; I want to know whether He made peace for me! It is little that He hath made a covenant, I want to know whether He has made a covenant with me. Blessed is the assurance that He hath made a covenant with me! If God the Holy Ghost gives me assurance of this, then His salvation is mine, His heart is mine, He Himself is mine—He is my God.
This covenant is everlasting in its duration. An everlasting covenant means a covenant which had no beginning, and which shall never, never end. How sweet amidst all the uncertainties of life, to know that “the foundation of the Lord standeth sure,” and to have God’s own promise, “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Like dying David, I will sing of this, even though my house be not so with God as my heart desireth.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
What Is A Saint?
Romans 1:7 "...who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our father and from the Lord Jesus Christ." (NIV Bible)
In my quiet time this morning, I began reading in Romans, and as I thought about verse 7, I wondered what the word "saint" meant. I've heard this word almost all my life, and it's mentioned in the Bible several times both in Old and New Testaments. I had a pretty good idea what it meant--those of us who believe in Jesus Christ. But still I wondered what the difference was between a believer and a saint, if any. This morning I looked it up in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
The dictionary had much to say, but what really struck me were these words: "To be a saint is a present reality when a believer seeks to let the Spirit form Christ within."
I've been thinking about that ever since I read it. Especially the words, "let the Spirit form Christ within." Shouldn't this be the goal of all believers? I have really felt convicted about this. Am I letting the Spirit form Christ within me? I want to. I need to. And this morning I prayed for God to help me let the Spirit do His job. My life, my well-being, depends on my letting go of how I think life should be or how I think I should be treated. And after I let go, I need to grab onto Jesus and not let go, trusting in the Lord's will and in His love for me. He is faithful, ever-present, His love is unfailing, and His will for me is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Let the Spirit form Christ within....
In my quiet time this morning, I began reading in Romans, and as I thought about verse 7, I wondered what the word "saint" meant. I've heard this word almost all my life, and it's mentioned in the Bible several times both in Old and New Testaments. I had a pretty good idea what it meant--those of us who believe in Jesus Christ. But still I wondered what the difference was between a believer and a saint, if any. This morning I looked it up in the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
The dictionary had much to say, but what really struck me were these words: "To be a saint is a present reality when a believer seeks to let the Spirit form Christ within."
I've been thinking about that ever since I read it. Especially the words, "let the Spirit form Christ within." Shouldn't this be the goal of all believers? I have really felt convicted about this. Am I letting the Spirit form Christ within me? I want to. I need to. And this morning I prayed for God to help me let the Spirit do His job. My life, my well-being, depends on my letting go of how I think life should be or how I think I should be treated. And after I let go, I need to grab onto Jesus and not let go, trusting in the Lord's will and in His love for me. He is faithful, ever-present, His love is unfailing, and His will for me is good, pleasing, and perfect.
Let the Spirit form Christ within....
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Bible Studies and Books: A List
In response to an email recently, I listed some Bible studies and some books that I have read that speak to anxiety and I thought I would list as many of them as I can remember here on my blog in case someone else might be interested. Although Bible study, an active prayer life, and my Scriptures were my first line of defense against panic, I began reading Christian nonfiction books to encourage myself in my walk with the Lord and also to learn all I could about staying out of the pit of panic and depression. If you would like to share books that have helped you, please feel free to list them in a comment. :)
1. Bible studies by Beth Moore: Believing God, Breaking Free, Living Beyond Yourself, A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place; Bible study by Jennifer Rothschild: Me, Myself, & Lies
2. Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George
3. The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
4. The Spirit-Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye
5. The Spirit-Filled Temperament by Tim LaHaye
6. The Psychology of Jesus
7. Boundaries by Cloud/Townsend
8. The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
9. Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hurnard (This is a fiction book and a Christian classic whose main character is called, “Much-Afraid”. I identified with her very much.)
10. The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer
11. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
12. Who Switched Off My Brain?
13. Ruthless Trust, by Brennan Manning
14. The Celebration of Discipline by Foster
15. Fearless by Max Lucado
1. Bible studies by Beth Moore: Believing God, Breaking Free, Living Beyond Yourself, A Woman’s Heart, God’s Dwelling Place; Bible study by Jennifer Rothschild: Me, Myself, & Lies
2. Loving God with All Your Mind by Elizabeth George
3. The Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
4. The Spirit-Controlled Woman by Beverly LaHaye
5. The Spirit-Filled Temperament by Tim LaHaye
6. The Psychology of Jesus
7. Boundaries by Cloud/Townsend
8. The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
9. Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hurnard (This is a fiction book and a Christian classic whose main character is called, “Much-Afraid”. I identified with her very much.)
10. The Pursuit of God by A. W. Tozer
11. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
12. Who Switched Off My Brain?
13. Ruthless Trust, by Brennan Manning
14. The Celebration of Discipline by Foster
15. Fearless by Max Lucado
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday
God is continuing to strengthen me so that even though I didn't get a full night's sleep, I was still able to get up and go to church yesterday. The rash on my hands is almost gone and I had a good hair day so I was feeling pretty good yesterday morning. :) I usually am running late, but Sunday morning my hair behaved and I was ahead of schedule. Being a shy person in my human nature, I did something I haven't done in a long time. I grabbed my spiral of Scriptures from 2009 and put them in my tote bag. My intention was that if there were not many people I knew in my Sunday School department because of the cold, damp weather we're having, I could refresh my memory of these verses while I waited for S.S. to start. Well....our department was full and I sat beside a friend and chatted awhile, and then she leaned in and confided in me that a loved one was experiencing anxiety and it was pretty serious. I told her how focusing on Scripture verses that speak to my heart and my circumstances help break the cycle of anxious thinking. I'm able to take my thoughts captive to Christ Jesus. Whenever I meditate on Scripture, my heart rate slows down, my thoughts turn to God and His love for me, His trustworthiness, and His power, and I have confidence and peace. I pulled out my spiral of verses to show her how I write them on 3x5s to carry with me. She was excited and said she would share what I said with her loved one.
Isn't God amazing? He arranged for me to get ready early, caused me to grab my Scripture spiral, and to sit by this friend so I could talk to her before Sunday School started and share how God calms us when we are worried or locked into negative thinking.
Solis Deo Gloria--To God alone be the glory!!
Isn't God amazing? He arranged for me to get ready early, caused me to grab my Scripture spiral, and to sit by this friend so I could talk to her before Sunday School started and share how God calms us when we are worried or locked into negative thinking.
Solis Deo Gloria--To God alone be the glory!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
God's Promises for 2011
Twelve Promises God Wants You to Remember in 2011
God is for you.
God loves you.
God will guide you.
God will not fail you.
God will be with you.
God will provide for you.
God will bless you.
God will give you rest.
God will strengthen you.
God will answer you.
God will uphold you.
God will keep you.
(Published in an email from www.dayspring.com)
God is for you.
God loves you.
God will guide you.
God will not fail you.
God will be with you.
God will provide for you.
God will bless you.
God will give you rest.
God will strengthen you.
God will answer you.
God will uphold you.
God will keep you.
(Published in an email from www.dayspring.com)
Friday, December 10, 2010
An Email Devotional
This came this morning in my email and I wanted to share it with you:
"Be ready in the morning, and then come up, Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain."
Exodus 34:2
The morning is a critically important time of the day. Never face the day until you have faced God, nor look in to the face of others until you have looked into His. You cannot expect to be victorious, if you begin your day in your own strength alone.
Begin each new day with prayer, quiet moments between your heart and God. Meet with the companion of your life, Jesus Christ. Then face the ordinary, and the unique responsibilities of each day with the renewed influence of His Spirit over all your actions.
Begin the day with God!
The Psalms also speak of meeting with God in the morning. Check out Ps. 5:3-4a; 143:8.
Whatever time I wake up, I head to my meeting place with God. I desperately need His encouragement before I face whatever lies ahead.
"Be ready in the morning, and then come up, Present yourself to me there on top of the mountain."
Exodus 34:2
The morning is a critically important time of the day. Never face the day until you have faced God, nor look in to the face of others until you have looked into His. You cannot expect to be victorious, if you begin your day in your own strength alone.
Begin each new day with prayer, quiet moments between your heart and God. Meet with the companion of your life, Jesus Christ. Then face the ordinary, and the unique responsibilities of each day with the renewed influence of His Spirit over all your actions.
Begin the day with God!
The Psalms also speak of meeting with God in the morning. Check out Ps. 5:3-4a; 143:8.
Whatever time I wake up, I head to my meeting place with God. I desperately need His encouragement before I face whatever lies ahead.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Encouraging Words
I make notes whenever I come across something that encourages me in my faith. I keep them in a basket on my desk and also in a file folder inside my desk. I recently went through these 3x5 cards and scraps of paper and thought I’d share a bit.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Psalm 119:102 “I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.” “They are well taught whom God teaches. What we learn from the Lord we never forget. God’s instruction has a practical effect—we follow His way when He teaches us; and it has an abiding effect—we do not depart from holiness.” Exposition of Psalm 119:97-104 by Charles H. Spurgeon (http://www.eternallifeministries.org/psalm119m.htm). Cited: September 28, 2010
“Abba, I surrender my will and my life to you today without reservation and with humble confidence.... Set me free from self-consciousness, from anxiety about tomorrow, and from the tyranny of the approval and disapproval of others, that I may find joy and delight simply and solely in pleasing you.” Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust: the Ragamuffin’s Path to God, (New York, HarperCollins, July 2, 2002) p. 192.
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” “Christ as our stronghold does not mean life will be easy or trouble free….God’s purposes may lead us to the path of suffering, but wherever He leads, we know He protects. He may protect from suffering or through suffering, but the more we know Him, the less we need to fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will sustain us—He is our hope.” Beth Moore, Living Free, (Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway Christian Resources, 2002) p. 111.
“You are a walking Civil War—flesh against the Spirit. The flesh must be beaten down. You must let the Holy Spirit work in you. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of the abundant life.” Joyce Meyer, The Battlefield of the Mind, (New York, New York, Warner Books Edition, 2002) p. 288.
“Understand the concept of biblical progression—a life of growth—from being obedient in small things to larger things. Be persistent. Keep your eyes on God. Keep God’s perspective.” (From one of my pastor’s sermons)
“During idle moments, we should meditate on God’s promises and provisions; His wonders and His Word….” Elizabeth George, Loving God with All Your Mind, (Eugene, Oregon, Harvest House Publishers, 2005) p. 304
“If Christ Himself saw prayer as a primary strategy against the schemes of the enemy, you and I should never do less.” Jennifer Rothschild, Me, Myself, and Lies, (Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway Christian Resources, 2009) p. 157.
“I love the practice of daily coming to the line with Christ and naming my sins. Then I like to discuss with God why it doesn’t agree with His Word. That kind of repentance begins to get those precepts down into my soul." Beth Moore, Jesus, the One and Only, (Nashville, Tennessee, B&H Publishing Group, 2002) p. 352.
“No guilt in life, no fear in death; this is the power of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, In Christ Alone (2001, Kingsway, Thank You Music)
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved
Psalm 119:102 “I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.” “They are well taught whom God teaches. What we learn from the Lord we never forget. God’s instruction has a practical effect—we follow His way when He teaches us; and it has an abiding effect—we do not depart from holiness.” Exposition of Psalm 119:97-104 by Charles H. Spurgeon (http://www.eternallifeministries.org/psalm119m.htm). Cited: September 28, 2010
“Abba, I surrender my will and my life to you today without reservation and with humble confidence.... Set me free from self-consciousness, from anxiety about tomorrow, and from the tyranny of the approval and disapproval of others, that I may find joy and delight simply and solely in pleasing you.” Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust: the Ragamuffin’s Path to God, (New York, HarperCollins, July 2, 2002) p. 192.
Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” “Christ as our stronghold does not mean life will be easy or trouble free….God’s purposes may lead us to the path of suffering, but wherever He leads, we know He protects. He may protect from suffering or through suffering, but the more we know Him, the less we need to fear. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will sustain us—He is our hope.” Beth Moore, Living Free, (Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway Christian Resources, 2002) p. 111.
“You are a walking Civil War—flesh against the Spirit. The flesh must be beaten down. You must let the Holy Spirit work in you. The fruit of the Spirit is evidence of the abundant life.” Joyce Meyer, The Battlefield of the Mind, (New York, New York, Warner Books Edition, 2002) p. 288.
“Understand the concept of biblical progression—a life of growth—from being obedient in small things to larger things. Be persistent. Keep your eyes on God. Keep God’s perspective.” (From one of my pastor’s sermons)
“During idle moments, we should meditate on God’s promises and provisions; His wonders and His Word….” Elizabeth George, Loving God with All Your Mind, (Eugene, Oregon, Harvest House Publishers, 2005) p. 304
“If Christ Himself saw prayer as a primary strategy against the schemes of the enemy, you and I should never do less.” Jennifer Rothschild, Me, Myself, and Lies, (Nashville, Tennessee, Lifeway Christian Resources, 2009) p. 157.
“I love the practice of daily coming to the line with Christ and naming my sins. Then I like to discuss with God why it doesn’t agree with His Word. That kind of repentance begins to get those precepts down into my soul." Beth Moore, Jesus, the One and Only, (Nashville, Tennessee, B&H Publishing Group, 2002) p. 352.
“No guilt in life, no fear in death; this is the power of Christ in me; from life’s first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny. No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His hand; Till He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I’ll stand.” Stuart Townend and Keith Getty, In Christ Alone (2001, Kingsway, Thank You Music)
Monday, August 2, 2010
How the Bible Speaks to Panic
Someone from another website asked me which Bible verses speak specifically to the kind of fear involving panic disorder.
Panic disorder is an anxiety-related disorder. It comes under the heading of Understanding Anxiety on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, www.adaa.org. Part of the definition of panic disorder is the fear of a recurring attack. The Bible speaks both to the fear of physical attacks from enemies, and also to mental attacks such as intense anxiety and fear. Although I feel all the verses I've posted on this blog speak to anxiety and panic, I thought I would post my answer to this question here as well as on the other website.
Mark 14:33 says about Jesus, "He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified…." (Holman Christian Bible) "to be deeply distressed and troubled…" (NIV Bible) A more indepth translation from the Greek dictionary of "to be deeply distressed and troubled" is to be overwhelmed, distressed, alarmed. This is from the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible. I have felt deeply distressed, troubled, horrified, alarmed, and overwhelmed during a panic attack. I have been encouraged to know that Jesus struggled in those last hours in the Garden of Gethsemane but after praying to His Father in Heaven, He arose strengthened and resolved to submit to the perfect will of God. Max Lucado talks about His victory in his book, Fearless.
Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father." The Greek word for fear in this verse means terror, dread, terrible; the verb form means to flee or run away from. That's exactly how panic made me feel. I wanted to run and find some place to hide.
Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Those of us who have experienced panic know all about anxiety being "great within me". God's consolation when we cry out to Him in prayer (praying His Word) and supplication is His love, peace, and joy.
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come….He will come to save you." The Hebrew word for fearful and fear in this verse means to be dreadful…terrify…make afraid; the emotion and intellectual anticipation of harm. This definition comes from the Complete Word Study of the Old Testament.There were many days when I walked around feeling something bad was going to happen any minute. I anticipated disaster.
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The Greek definition for fear in this verse means to shrink for fear. I experienced this kind of fear during my first or second year of panic back in 2002 or 2003. One day my husband tried to coax me out of the bedroom because I had begun to believe the bedroom was my only safe place. I can still remember almost crossing the threshold and then I pulled my hand out of his and told him I could not do it. I could not make myself leave that room no matter how hard I wanted to leave it.
Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." The word fear in this verse is the same Hebrew word as in Isaiah 35:4 above.
Philippians 4:4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse obviously speaks to anxiety.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
Panic disorder is an anxiety-related disorder. It comes under the heading of Understanding Anxiety on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, www.adaa.org. Part of the definition of panic disorder is the fear of a recurring attack. The Bible speaks both to the fear of physical attacks from enemies, and also to mental attacks such as intense anxiety and fear. Although I feel all the verses I've posted on this blog speak to anxiety and panic, I thought I would post my answer to this question here as well as on the other website.
Mark 14:33 says about Jesus, "He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified…." (Holman Christian Bible) "to be deeply distressed and troubled…" (NIV Bible) A more indepth translation from the Greek dictionary of "to be deeply distressed and troubled" is to be overwhelmed, distressed, alarmed. This is from the Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible. I have felt deeply distressed, troubled, horrified, alarmed, and overwhelmed during a panic attack. I have been encouraged to know that Jesus struggled in those last hours in the Garden of Gethsemane but after praying to His Father in Heaven, He arose strengthened and resolved to submit to the perfect will of God. Max Lucado talks about His victory in his book, Fearless.
Romans 8:15 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, Abba, Father." The Greek word for fear in this verse means terror, dread, terrible; the verb form means to flee or run away from. That's exactly how panic made me feel. I wanted to run and find some place to hide.
Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul." Those of us who have experienced panic know all about anxiety being "great within me". God's consolation when we cry out to Him in prayer (praying His Word) and supplication is His love, peace, and joy.
Isaiah 35:4 "Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, do not fear; your God will come….He will come to save you." The Hebrew word for fearful and fear in this verse means to be dreadful…terrify…make afraid; the emotion and intellectual anticipation of harm. This definition comes from the Complete Word Study of the Old Testament.There were many days when I walked around feeling something bad was going to happen any minute. I anticipated disaster.
2 Timothy 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." The Greek definition for fear in this verse means to shrink for fear. I experienced this kind of fear during my first or second year of panic back in 2002 or 2003. One day my husband tried to coax me out of the bedroom because I had begun to believe the bedroom was my only safe place. I can still remember almost crossing the threshold and then I pulled my hand out of his and told him I could not do it. I could not make myself leave that room no matter how hard I wanted to leave it.
Isaiah 43:1 "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." The word fear in this verse is the same Hebrew word as in Isaiah 35:4 above.
Philippians 4:4-6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This verse obviously speaks to anxiety.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
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