I’m delighted to welcome fellow contributing author, Colette Schaffer, of Whispers of Grace to be sharing with us on the comfort we receive when turning to God our rock if feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
Anxiety. It’s a subject we seem to hear a lot of nowadays – especially since the pandemic. Just recently, we watched as Simone Biles, the gymnast, praised for her almost superhuman abilities and had the world’s expectations on her shoulders for bringing home an Olympic gold medal, bow out of competition due to mental health issues.
Unfortunately, I am also one who has dealt with anxiety and panic attacks. I am happy to say that I haven’t had a panic attack for many years. However, I still struggle with anxiety wanting to rear its ugly head. In fact, at this moment, while writing an encouraging word to you, I am feeling anxious. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears, and my chest feels tight.
Why? I honestly don’t know. And that’s the weird thing about anxiety. Many times there is no rhyme or reason to the why. It’s not like having a broken arm where you most likely KNOW what happened and why you are injured. Sometimes people feel anxious about feeling anxious!
Anxiety is different. It lives in your soul – which is your mind, will, and emotions. It sneaks up when you least expect it. Anxiety often shows up in my body when I’m relaxed – which is my current state.
So, here I am, feeling anxious. But I know where to run in my time of need. Psalms 61:2 says, “When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
I turn to God and to His Word when I feel anxious, and I let Him comfort my soul.
Dealing with anxiety and depression doesn’t mean that you are crazy, unstable, or “damaged goods.” It means that you are human. You are living in a body and soul that has not been recreated. And that is why God sent His Son and gave us His Word – for times when we feel like we don’t measure up.
Can I drop a truth bomb on you here? We will NEVER measure up without Jesus and the gift of grace to help us in our weaknesses.
Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come BOLDLY to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
I have learned to run to Jesus and His Word when my feelings and emotions start talking to me about being anxious. In fact, that is precisely what I did a few paragraphs back. I stopped and went to the Word. I read and prayed the scriptures on anxiety that I have previously prepared for these times.
Let me tell you, friend, the Word works because Jesus is alive and cares for you! I don’t preach and teach something that I don’t practice myself. I live and breathe the Word. It is Jesus that replaces the anxiety with His peace that passes my understanding.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Friends, I just preached myself happy, and you can do the same!
I have created a digital magazine called, Renew, which contains 21 verses and prayers specifically for anxiety and depression. You can get your FREE copy here.
As I close, I want to thank Rachel for having me as a guest on her blog. It is an honor to share with you today. I would like to leave you with a blessing.
“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen.
Numbers 6:24–26
Colette Schaffer is a writer, speaker, and recovering perfectionist who lives 2 hours from the nearest Walmart on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. This teacher at heart, and by profession, will encourage and equip you to dive deep into God’s Word so you can apply it to every part of your life–spirit, soul, and body. Colette has been a pastor with her husband since 2006. She has written two books; Expecting Jesus: An Advent Devotional and Planted: A Guided Study to Produce a Peace-Filled Life in an Anxiety-Filled World. She is also a contributor to the book, Whispers of Grace – a collection of stories, devotions, poems, and prayers. You can get weekly encouragement from Colette’s blogs at Schafferministries.com.