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Have you ever struggled to release anxiety and trust God in difficult seasons?
These past couple of years, God has shown me a rather unflattering facet of my personality. Perhaps it goes back to my younger years when peer rejection carved deep wounds into my heart and my spirit. After becoming a Christian in my teens, I still nursed those wounds, trying to tiptoe around them, as though if I ignored the hurt, the pain would eventually disappear.
And perhaps for a time, it did.
But, God loves us too much to allow those wounds to dwell, unhealed in our hearts. Unhealed wounds fester and eventually impact every area of our lives. For me, rejection colored how I viewed every interaction with others. I over-analyzed conversations. I did whatever seemed necessary to fit in with those around me.
The result of this was that no one truly knew me, so no one could genuinely get close to me . . . even though what I yearned for was deeper relationships and close friends.
This led to anxiety weaving into my mindset and my physical reactions.
When I finally felt ready to allow God to begin His healing work in my heart, I was scared. How much would it hurt? How risky would it be to let Him into that festering sore place in my heart? What would the cost be to release anxiety?
6 Sure How To's to Release Anxiety and Trust God—God always knows the best way to bring healing to the broken places in our lives #tellhisstory #anxiety #trustgod Click To TweetGod always knows the best way to bring healing to the broken places in our lives. But I wonder if certain wounds crop back up, even after God’s done the healing?
Releasing anxiety and my one word
I share this because, as I think on my One Word for the year—Cling—I’ve realized there’s a good reason God gave me this word. Our sons are both on the verge of launching into adulthood. I dropped our oldest at college a few weeks ago.
Both of our sons are striving to figure out manhood. And both made choices that have broken my heart. And isn’t that the case with about every mother who’s launched a child? If I’m honest, anxiety has ridden me hard, leading to fear and physical problems.
Back to the unflattering facet of my personality. In the past few years with our boys, I’ve yearned to control how things happened in our family, in the decisions they made, and how they’ve done things.
As you can imagine, that’s gone over really well.
But, this is what God has shown me . . .
I use control to mitigate my fear. Somehow, I developed a mindset that if I could control, then my worst fears wouldn’t come true. My mindset slipped from a place of trusting God to trusting myself. And anxiety ballooned when I was forced to relinquish control.
Trusting God requires us to open ourselves up to pain.
6 Sure How To's to Release Anxiety and Trust God–Trusting God requires us to open ourselves up to pain #tellhisstory #anxiety #trustgod Click To TweetReal Life Choosing to release anxiety
Pain has been the music of our family this year. Various events happened. Choices were made. Repercussions resulted. And the courage to release anxiety has been stifled.
Fear of the “What If’s” has had its way in my thoughts and heart and body for too long.
Worry wove tentacles around my stomach and squeezed; around my lungs, allowing only shallow breaths.
Is holding onto control worth the physical, emotional, and spiritual costs it demands?
Or is choosing to cling to Jesus in the middle of the pain the better choice?
The easy answer is, “Of course clinging to Jesus is better!”
And yes, we know this is true. But, this decision sometimes must be made moment by moment. It requires me to breathe through the anxiety. To release my plans into God’s hands and then hold on for the ride.
Choices we can make to release anxiety and cling to Jesus
How am I learning to cling to the Lord in the middle of our mess? Especially when the “mess” lasts a long time, we make these choices intentionally, as often as needed.
Choosing to spend time in God’s word every day
Even on the days when I don’t seem to “get much out of it,” I know God instills His truths into the fabric of my being.
Choosing to redirect my thoughts
When I feel worry squeezing, I remind myself Who is in control. Hint: it’s not me. Sometimes the reminder of who God is helps release anxiety.
Choosing to share my “hard” with trusted friends
This has been a blessing, because friends check in on me or text, “I’m praying for you today.” And this offers comfort in the middle of the pain.
Choosing to remember Who God is and who I’m not
I am not God. I am simply a woman walking through some hard things right now. But, I’m held by the One who will bring me through.
Choosing to meditate on verses
that remind me God sees both the now and the not yet.
Choosing to look for His fingerprints in my days
The other morning, I went for a walk. It wasn’t raining, yet God shared a rainbow with me. It was like His little love note to me saying, “Jeanne, I’ve got you. I’m working in your hard place. And I will bring you through.”
Take a quick look at what I saw that morning.
Conclusion
Sometimes the One Word God gives us at the beginning of a new year is intended to draw us closer to Him. To bring us through the difficulties He knows we’re going to face.
Have I lived out “cling” perfectly? Oh goodness no. but thankfully, God doesn’t expect perfection. He only wants us to trust. It’s in the trusting that we grow closer to our Father and see His faithfulness in our days.
What about you? What has your One Word taught you this year? How has God helped you to release anxiety?
Next week we’re meeting at Lisa Jordan’s place!
Come share your story at the Tell His Story linkup. Connect and be encouraged by like-minded friends! #tellhisstory #linkup Click To TweetMost weeks, I link up with Grace and Truth, Anita Ojeda, Instaencouragements, and sometimes Let’s Have Coffee. Come join and read more encouraging posts!
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters. I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leaving your own encouragement. Click here to read more about the #TellHisStory community and find a button to add to your site.
I’ve been thinking today about how I need God’s help again (and always!) to control my ruminating thoughts. That’s a troublesome area; I tend to dwell on thoughts about what went wrong in the past and what could go wrong in the future instead of releasing it all into God’s hands. Clinging to Jesus alongside you, Jeanne. Thanks for sharing this at our One Word linkup!
Lisa, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve needed God’s help, of how many times I call out to him in a day when I can’t breathe deep. I’ve struggled with ruminating thoughts too. It’s tricky to stop their cycling. It’s a frequent choosing to turn them over to Jesus, isn’t it? Thank you for your sweet encouragement, friend.
I love your ways to conquer anxiety! An ongoing battle for many of us!
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Kathy! 🙂
I needed this today! I have a difficult time sharing my ‘hard’ with anyone. But there’s something about sharing that lightens the burden (and helps me see it in a new light).
Anita, I’m so glad you found this post encouraging. I have had to learn how to share my “hard” with people too. It feels risky putting myself out there, possibly appearing needy, and admitting weakness. But man, the beauty that can happen when we share our burdens with safe people.
Jeanne, I like how all your points are choices we make and thankful the Lord brings the best healing to our broken places. One thing the Lord has shown me about rejection is that rejection is an action, not a person. Rejection does not make “me” a reject.
Karen, please forgive the delayed response. I’m thankful God brings healing to our broken places too. And your reminder about how rejection is an action, not an identity!
Jeanne, anxiety and I know a lot about each other. I’m sorry it’s your familiar acquaintance, too. Praising Him and remembering all of His goodness in the past helps me when I’m struggling in addition to all of the great tips you’ve shared. Thank you for the encouragement today!
Blessings,
Tammy
Thank you for your words, Tammy. I so appreciate the reminder of how important praising Jesus and remembering His goodness is when dealing with anxiety. Thanks for adding to my list.
Hi Jeanne … I’ve come to accept that anxiety is part of my life. It’s my thorn in the flesh. I understand the genetic propensity, understand why it’s triggered after a series of hard events that come too quickly in a row. I view it as a brain chemistry challenge.
It is what it is and I refuse to define myself by it.
Meanwhile, I praise God for an attentive doctor, medication that works well, and opportunities to let others know that they’re not alone in their struggle. I’m not ashamed or embarrassed or see it as a spiritual weakness. I’m at peace with where I am and can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for God’s mercy in my life …
Linda, I so appreciate your perspective about anxiety. It is a thorn in our flesh. I hadn’t thought about how a series of hard events coming too quickly can cause anxiety. Yes to not defining ourselves by this. I so appreciate all you have shared, my friend. I’m tucking your words into my heart.
Hi Jeanne,
My word for this year ‘Ask’ has been interesting & given me more to pray about. ☺️
Were you aware that the link up isn’t appearing above? 🤔
Blessings, Jennifer
Oh man, what a bummer. I’m so glad you mentioned the link-up not being there. :/ I didn’t realize I’d missed that! I did add it, but I’m so sorry I didn’t catch that sooner. It’s been a crazy week.
“Ask” is a great word. It’s always fascinating to see how God uses our One Words to conform us into the image of Jesus. I imagine this word has given you more to pray about. 🙂
We all have ‘those weeks’ Jeanne. I understand. 😊
Thank you! 🥰
I wish I’d outgrow all my weaknesses! But in truth, they press me to rely on Jesus.
I wish I could outgrow all my weaknesses too, Debbie! But, like you said, our weaknesses press us into Jesus. Which is a good thing. 🙂
Love you so, dear one 💗
Thank you, sweet friend.
I think redirecting our thoughts is key when feeling anxious. One thing I like to do is to go back and remember all the times before when He helped and delivered me. And then I remind myself, He is the same, yesterday, today and forever. If He cared and helped before, He will do it again.
P. S. I can’t seem to see a link to enter the link-up! Am I overlooking it?
YES, Jerralea. Redirecting our thoughts is crucial, isn’t it? In reading your words, a thought I’ve had before came to mind. Just like God had the Israelites build altars of remembrance in the Old Testament, we need to build those in our minds and hearts by remembering His unchanging nature and that He’s helped us in the past and He will show up again. LOVED your thoughts here, friend.
You are so right-we must be ready and willing to really look at the pain.
Yes, I believe you are right. We must look at it and allow God to walk with us through it to the healing He wants to give us.
https://debbiewwilson.com/sting-of-death/
Jeanne,
I’ve battled anxiety all my life. I love your word, “cling.” I find I’m always somewhere on the spectrum — with clinging to God on one side and depending on self on the other. I vascilate back and forth between the polar opposites. Truth resides in God, and often lies reside in self so the more I cling to God the fewer lies I believe and the less anxiety I have. Great post.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, thanks so much for your transparency. Honestly, a part of me feels like I should have a handle on anxiety at this stage of my life. But . . . here I am, struggling with it in ways I never have before. I have vacillated back and for a lot, especially in these past couple of months. I’m thankful God is with us always and that, as we trust Him, He guards our hearts and minds from the lies of the enemy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts here.
“But I wonder if certain wounds crop back up, even after God’s done the healing?” I think this is absolutely the case, Jeanne. Opportunities for spiritual recalibration never stop coming, do they? And praise God for giving us exactly the right words to guide us through years we never saw coming. Hugs, dear friend.
Lois, I so appreciate your words here. Your description of spiritual recalibration makes so much sense. And yes, thank goodness God gives us the right words to guide us through those difficult years. Thanks for those hugs, friend!
Letting go and letting God can be very hard, especially when our intentions seem so good! This past weekend, our pastor spoke of parenting reminding how it is God’s agenda, not ours, and that we can’t force our own pace on our children. Not easy, but I am inspired how you stay in God’s word knowing He is directing you even on the days it seems like there is no progress. Oh, I get those anxious nights… especially when my daughter was pregnant in grade 12. It all turned out amazingly well, and I’ve learned a lot from that experience (especially how judgemental I could be…!) My word is “intentional” and I haven’t quite got a grasp on it yet this year! It feels like time is going way too fast.
Lynn, I’m learning it is an involved, humbling process to let go and trust God with hard situations. Your pastor’s words make so much sense. Especially as our kids grow and make their own choices. God’s word is the only constant in a season of continual ups and downs. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story about your daughter. That must have been a difficult time for your family. But, I’m glad God brought good (and humility) out of it. “Intentional” is such a good word. It’s multi-faceted too, isn’t it? I agree. I still have so much to learn about my word for the year. Sigh.
“I am simply a woman walking through some hard things right now. But, I’m held by the One who will bring me through.” Amen. I’m so very grateful He does not leave us there, He walks us through. May the Lord continue to be with you, working in your hard until He makes the mess a thing of beauty!
Joanne, I am with you . . . so grateful God doesn’t leave us in those hard places. He’s right in the thick of it with us. How amazing is that?! I’m looking forward to seeing how He brings beauty from this season too. Thanks for your encouragement, friend.
Too tired to be worried,
it hurts too much to cry,
but still I won’t be hurried
to a premature goodbye.
The harder cancer presses,
the harder I push back
until the b*****d ‘fesses
up up the need for his attack.
It’s not to draw me closer to
the God that made all things;
that which I am going through
joy to the devil brings,
so rather than accept his vote
I’ll stuff the d****d thing down his throat.
‘up up’?
Sheesh.
Andrew, your determination to not let cancer define you or the enemy have the victory inspires me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your words and thoughts. I continue to pray for you and Barb, my friend.
I wish conquering anxiety was a once-and-done thing. But as you said, it’s more like a moment by moment decision to focus on God and His abilities and truth rather than my own fears.
Barbara, I wish conquering anxiety was a one-time thing too. Sadly, anxiety has a way of sneaking back into our minds and hearts when life feels overwhelming or/and when we least expect to have to deal with it. I’m so very thankful our Father meets us where we are and brings us through. And I’m grateful for His truths to cling to.