Anxiety x 100
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. And not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits - we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8.22-23, Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
You have so much going on and feel so overwhelmed that it’s impossible to explain what's happening to someone else. You are getting confused about what to do first and what to pray about. You pray and can’t muster up the faith to believe you’ll get an answer.
You have friends who are willing to pray, but they want details. You don’t want to give them any because it raises your anxiety. It makes you feel nauseous. That’s what I have felt more than once in the last three weeks. I thought I would just share what has worked for me today. I did all three things to gain equilibrium.
Pause.
Option 1: For the action-oriented.
I grabbed my phone and sent a short text to all my praying family/friends - “please pray.” No explanations. Maybe I will go back to explain. Personally, I don’t want to relive it. It certainly simplifies my life and cuts back on the poison of complaining. I felt peace flood my soul from the first reply of “praying!!!!!” God was already at work on my behalf, so I just accepted that transcendent peace and now I am thanking Him. I have been receiving prayers throughout the day.
Option 2: If you’re moving like a herd of turtles and feel exhausted.
I decided to kneel by my bed this time, other times I have been sitting, standing or lying down. Whatever is comfortable. I prayed “You know what’s going on, Help!” I know that “God is love” 1 John 4.8 New King James Version (NKJV) and He is gentle, especially to people with broken hearts, “A bruised reed He will not break, a smoldering wick He will not snuff out!” Matthew 12.20 NKJV
You can stop trying so hard, relax and visualize resting in His arms. Be still. Maybe even nap. Remember, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are praying for you right now.
“Who is the one that condemns? Christ Jesus is the One who died, but even more, has been raised; He also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.” Romans 8.34 HCSB
“In the same way, the Spirit also joins to help in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings.” Romans 8.26 HCSB
OR/
Option 3: You can’t turn your brain off and need something to focus on.
I have found my two lists - one of God’s names and the other of who I am in-Christ, along with the scripture references, to be incredibly uplifting. They were compiled by a friend of mine. I read the phrase in context to get even more meaning or understanding.
The lists of God’s names are what I use to praise Him for who He is. What He’s done for me is who I am in-Christ; that’s my list for thanksgiving.
Example:
God’s name - Strength of My Life (Psalms 27.1) and In-Christ i am strengthened in Him (Ephesians 3.16)
Praising God for who He is, is worshiping Him in Spirit and in truth. Gratitude for these gifts is where I find joy that will outlast anything that I can experience with my five senses. Today He met me at my point of need, strength to displace discouragement. Instead of flying around, not knowing where to begin, this afternoon has become a pleasure and I miraculously feel lighthearted.
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