A few years ago I had a lengthy battle with anxiety, but I was able to overcome it due to a few scriptures I read. You may be thinking that maybe my anxiety wasn’t severe, but let me assure you, it was. I was medicated for it and was seeing a psychologist. Those things helped me with the issues, but it wasn’t a cure. Scripture was the cure. I figured if I could capture that healing process in my life and share it, then maybe it would help someone else with their anxiety.
As I said, the anxiety was pretty serious – I entered into an outpatient treatment center, was medicated for bipolar, depression, and anxiety, and saw a psychotherapist on a regular basis. One requirement I had in choosing my therapist was that he or she had to be a Christian. Wow! were my prayers answered. My therapist was a Holy Spirit-filled believer.
The journey took about a year, maybe a little more, until I finally overcame my issues. During this time the anxiety was so extreme that it frequently led to paranoia. Everyone was out to get my job, and everyone at work was plotting behind my back… Well, that’s what I thought. I didn’t feel good about myself, and I felt trapped because I started to believe I wasn’t good enough to be in my profession. I also believed at my age it was too late to start another career. I wasn’t sure how else to make a living, but I felt this career was coming to a crashing halt. I felt terrible, like an absolute loser.
Being the breadwinner, I had to deal with these manic thoughts. I had no choice – I had to hold down a job, and a demanding one at that. I knew the negative thoughts that plagued my mind were lies. But being bombarded like I was, and in a very contentious workplace, it was all I could do to keep my head above water. Only by the Grace of God, and the prayers of my friends and family was I able to work. But with the Word, God’s beautiful Word, I was ultimately healed!
As I look back at that time, I can see that through this journey, which really was a spiritual and mental battle, that as I pressed forward faithful that God had a plan in all this, I received revelations that helped me inch closer and closer to being free from this bondage. When that moment came, the singular moment when I had that one key and final revelation, I felt the weight of the anxiety lift. I was free! Ever since I have never had concerns or worries as severe as that year. Not even close.
Instead of suffering from the anxiety you may be experiencing, let’s see if what worked for me will work for you.
Bible Verses
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem. Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
Psalms 9:11 (NLT)
Proclaiming thanksgiving aloud, and telling all your wondrous deeds.
Psalm 26:7 (ESV)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)