The year 2020, I believe, will be the year we remember the devastating effects COVID-19 had on our mental health if we don't make some choices to change that. Whatever your circumstance, whatever the year, we all have an opportunity to choose peace instead of heavy anxiety.
My daughter has been affected by anxiety through COVID-19. We have had to put language around her identifying her feelings. For her, anxiety isn't just a heavy feeling in her chest, but it's a "yucky feeling in her belly."
Anxiety For You?
What does it look like for you, friend?
I know for me, it looks like racing thoughts, stomach ache, headache, trouble sleeping, and heavy chest tightness, to name a few. Anxiety can be heavy, but it gets heavier when you ignore it. We have to acknowledge it's there before we can overcome it. Once you recognize it, you can control the feelings you have by believing God's promises are true. Our feelings are not the highest form of truth; the Word of God is.
Proverbs 12:25 says, "Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up."
Not too long ago, the "yucky feeling" in Lila's belly was happening just before bed. I knew to acknowledge her yucky feeling and turning to God was going to be most helpful. So, I asked her, "what worship song would you like to sing, Lila?" Side note, I firmly believe you can't worry and worship simultaneously.
Turn The Tide On Anxiety
She picked 'Burn The Ships' by, For King And Country. After we played the song, she said "Mom you know how the words of the song say;
'Say a prayer, turn the tide,
Dry your tears and wave goodbye,
Step into a new day,
We can rise up from the dust and walk away'?
Well, I feel like God is telling me to get rid of the bad thoughts and replace them with happy thoughts and that tomorrow is a new day, and it will be better!"
With my own happy tears forming in my eyes, I said, "Yes, Lila, that is exactly right!" and I could see her anxiety melt away.
In 1 Chronicles 16:29, it says, "Give to the Lord the glory He deserves! Bring your offering and come into His presence. Worship the Lord in all His holy splendor." While Lila and I listened to Burn The Ships, we laid down heavy anxiety by giving God glory, coming into His presence, and worshiping Him.
You can choose to lay down heavy anxiety too.
An Opportunity For You!
Another place you can get prayer is at our Rescue Retreat coming up in Sept. Find out all the details here.
Much love to you all,
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