:::Breathe in::: 1…2…3…4… :::Breathe out::: 1…2…3…4… I’m sitting in the restaurant, enjoying my meal, my family, and the evening, when it hits me, like a semi truck running a red light. No warning. My vision blurs. My head starts to spin. My breathing becomes shallow and panicked. I start sweating, and fidgeting. All I can think is “it’s happening, and I can’t stop it”. I want to run out, but I’m afraid that I’ll collapse and cause a scene. My mind is in survival mode, begging me to get it out of this situation. It’s another panic attack, and it’s terrifying.

If you have never had a panic attack then you are probably thinking “What are you so afraid of?? why do you feel like that? what’s wrong with you?” Well rest assured that I have asked myself that many times. If you have had one of these fun little episodes then you’re probably nodding your head, thinking “yup sounds about right”. Writing about my experience is scary enough to put me in panic mode, but I know that God uses all things for His glory. So if you deal with anxiety and fear on a daily basis then I pray this gives you hope. And if you have no clue what my problem is then I hope this will help shed light on the thing that plagues so many people. Either way, this is for anyone who seeks God’s peace.

The definition of a panic attack is “sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety and physical symptoms, based on a perceived threat rather than imminent danger”. A panic attack is based on a perceived threat. Honestly, there’s not always a known perceived threat when I’m hit with an attack. Just the idea that it could come on at any moment is enough to leave me in a state of anxiety and caution. I’m nervous to go to places that are too noisy, or too dark, or too busy, or too hot, or too anything, in fear that it will spur on an attack. My fear of not being able to breathe has hindered my workouts, my travel (think high altitude and little oxygen), and my life. As I sit here and think about the things that anxiety and fear has kept me from doing, it brings me to my knees, crying and sobbing to my Savior to heal me from it so I can enjoy the life He gave me. Crying and sobbing because I feel like I let my entire family down because I’m weak and can’t control my anxiety. If you ever have felt like this, then sister, you’re not alone. I would love to only focus on scripture that promises healing and overcoming, but God sometimes chooses not to heal us. Instead, He calls us to rest in Him, seek Him, and rely on His grace for our lives.

Before we get started please know that anxiety is not a one size fits all. Some need a simple prayer, encouragement, and some praise music. Some need professional help. Whatever it is you need, know that God is Lord over all of it. We can find all we need in His Word. There is no shame in seeking professional help, just remember to always compare everything to God’s Word.

Ok, so there is no magic formula to cure us of anxiety and panic attacks, but God has given us His Word that is meant to bring peace. Anxiety and fear is not a new emotion for mankind. So many men and women of faith were plagued with depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. In Genesis, we find Hagar, the Egyptian servant for Sarai, Abram’s wife. If you’re not familiar with her story, she was basically forced into having a child for Abram and Sarai, but then Sarai dealt harshly with her, causing her flee. Imagine the fear and loneliness Hagar felt, knowing she was pregnant and alone. But God, in His compassion and mercy listened to her affliction (Genesis 16:11) and comforted her. She praised God and called Him the God of seeing (El-Roi). El-Roi. He hears. He sees. And He cares.

In Joshua, after Moses’ death, Joshua was then handed the task to take the people of Israel into the promised land that God promised them. In Joshua 1:9 God encourages Joshua not to fear “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Job was blameless and blessed by the Lord, but that didn’t stop the enemy from seeking to attack him. In Job 30:16-20, Job writes about his depression: “An now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction have taken hold of me…God has cast me into the mire and I have become like dust and ashes…..I cry to you for help and you do not answer me, I stand and you only look at me.”

Elijah, a prophet that saw God do some amazing things, was overwhelmed with fear, to the point of asking God to take his life. (1 Kings 19:4)

David battled depression, anxiety and fear. David wrote most of Psalms and it’s a rollercoaster of emotions. Psalm 6:6-7, David writes “I am weary with my moaning, every night I flood my bed with tears; I drench my couch with my weeping. My eye wastes away because of grief…” David’s battle did not stop God from using him and calling him a man after his own heart.

Jeremiah struggled with loneliness, defeat, and insecurity. Jeremiah 20:14 he cursed the day he was born! He wished he had never been born, but God used him!

You see, even in our brokenness, God will use us, so we can bring glory to Him. It’s because we’re broken that we can look up and give glory to God! We’re not alone in this world, we are loved by our Creator. So how do we move from anxiety ruling our lives, to a life that is ruled by God’s beautiful grace? It’s a hard road, and I haven’t been healed of my anxiety or panic attacks but I know that God’s grace is sufficient and I can rest in that. Here are five things we can actively do to step out of our own heads and into the presence and heart of God.

1. Pray Scripture. When I’m in the middle of a panic attack, praying a scripture is often the last thing on my mind. Seriously, it’s all I can do to remind myself to breathe, which is why we need to exercise our biblical muscle memory. My dad was big into sports and ALWAYS talked about muscle memory. It’s the idea that if you train your body and your muscles enough, you will be able to perform without even thinking about it. So in order for us to go into automatic prayer we need to exercise and train before the attack! This means taking scripture about fear and anxiety and pray it daily before the Lord, that way when the battle arises, you are spiritually prepared with the Word of God to bring your mind into submission. Now this is easier said than done, and I’m not great at it, but sanctification is a lifelong process. Set aside time everyday to pray through scripture. Below I will give some of my favorite scriptures and link some of my favorite tools for praying and memorizing scripture!
2. Journal. I love journaling, but I’m not always consistent. Journaling is a great way to get things out of my mind. I always write it in the form of prayers so that I’m laying my cares and concerns at His feet.
3. Praise and worship. One of the best ways to get out of our own heads is to praise and worship our God!!! When we worship Him, we are acknowledging His glory and turning our focus from ourselves to Him. We are naturally selfish creatures. No one has to teach a child to selfish. It’s easy for us to be self focused, which in turn feeds our anxiety. Whatever you feed grows. (This is not a jab at our waistlines, although I do love me some good food) When we feed our anxiety by looking at ourselves, then our anxiety grows into a monster that cannot be controlled. When we feed the spirit with the Word of God, then our confidence in Him grows.
4. Exercise and a healthy diet. Now this isn’t biblical per se, but taking care of our bodies is also key to caring for our mental health. I won’t get into, but seriously start looking at the food we’re putting into our bodies. Is it providing nourishment or causing sickness and pain? So take care of your body, it’s a temple of the Lord!!
5. Talk to a trusted friend, or a professional. It’s ok to get professional help. When I was pregnant with our third daughter, my panic attacks were so bad, I had to see a counselor. It was in God’s wonderful grace and provision that I got the help I needed to overcome my fears. Do not let anyone shame you for getting help. If you can’t trust anyone please feel free to reach out to me!! I would love to listen and pray with you!

Whatever is plaguing your mental health, know that God is El-Roi, He is the God who sees you. He hears your cries and “He redeems [your] soul from the battle that [you] wage” Psalm 55:18. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). He has not given you a “spirit of fear but one of power, love, and sound judgment” (2 Timothy 1:7). He is near to the “brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). God does not always choose to heal us from our pain, but we know that our pain will not last forever. Sin and pain does not have the final say. One day we will be healed and there will be no more tears. Until that day, my friend, trust in the Lord and ask that He will use your anxiety and pain for His glory.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times, in every way. The Lord be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Scripture:

Joshua 1:9, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 55:22, Psalm 94:19, Proverbs 3:24, Isaiah 41:10, Colossians 3:15, Philippians 4:8, 1 John 4:18

Anxiety and Fear Meditation:

Tools: I love the Daily Grace co.! Here is their link to some wonderful tools for managing anxiety.