In this last post, we starting talking about what we need to know in order to get beyond the power of anxiety and depression. In this first post in this series, we looked at the causes and what it means to attack back at Anxiety. The first thing that we need to know if we are going to defeat it, is that YOU ARE NOT CRAZY!
I encourage you to go back and read part 1 before continuing on with this post. It will give you a basis for winning this battle of your mind.
The second thing that we you need to know is YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
We were all created to pursue the plans of God with the people of God. You were not created to do life by yourself. When I hear people say that they are ok alone, it is a lie from the pit of hell. Isolation is one of the greatest tools that the enemy will use to defeat you.
I understand that people can be naturally introverted, but thats not what we are talking about. People can be shy and not like to be the center of attention. But there is a difference between being shy and feeling like you need no one. God didn't create you to be alone or to do life on your own.
In Genesis, God said when he saw man alone, that it was not good. It was the first thing that he created that he said needed something more.
Here is my honest moment with you…when I am struggling with anything, I isolate. I push away everyone that could speak into my situation. I am the guy that tells everyone that I thrive under pressure. But the truth is that I internalize it when I am anxious. I get quiet. I pull away so that it doesn’t spread to others.
I hear this voice screaming at out loud in my head…NO ONE GETS THIS! NO ONE UNDERSTANDS! I AM ALL ALONE!
But the truth that you need to get right now is, you are not alone! Even when we feel it, we are not alone in what we are experiencing. The bible is full of people who felt the same things that you are feeling now. It's the reason they are in the book. They are there to help us through these moments.
Apostle Paul
2 Corinthians 1:8 (ESV) For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
King David
Psalm 42:5 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation
Jesus (in the garden)
Matthew 26:38 (ESV) Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”
The voice that screams that you are alone is not the voice of God. It is who the bible calls the accuser of the brethren. He wants you to feel isolated and alone in your journey, but nothing could be further from the truth. It's because the devil is a liar...he knows nothing else. He will twist and pervert the truth to achieve his goals.
John 8:44 (ESV) You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
The lies of the enemy are always designed to move you toward isolation. Nothing good comes from dark places. The things that grow in darkness do not benefit your life. The enemy wants you to push into those dark lonely places to destroy the good that God has placed in your life.
Honesty with yourself and with others will bring freedom. It will bring light in those moments that you think that there is no hope.
We serve a God of Hope! He brings an overflow of joy and peace in your life.
The Last thing you need to know is THIS WILL END!
It is hard to imagine while you are in the midst of a battle, but it will not last forever.
Psalm 30:5 (ESV) For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
There will be seasons in your life where there seems to be no hope…but they are just seasons. Some are worse than others. Some seem unbearable. But the God of HOPE is the one that will return our joy and peace once again.
We have hope because He is a God of new things that can replace all the years the locust has stolen with blessings.
In the Bible, He is called a God of:
New Mercies
New Mornings
New Starts
New beginnings
New Creation
Even when it seems like there is no escape, God provides escape. When it feels like what’s the use, that nothing will ever change, that when the God of the possible comes in.
There is a verse in Matthew where the disciples could not understand how a man could be born again be a rich man…But Jesus told him “ALL THINGS WERE POSSIBLE WITH GOD (Matt 19:26) It's easy to take a scripture like that out of context, but the truth is simply that God makes all things possible.
You can and will overcome this moment in life…it’s just a moment. Not because of your ability but because of His ability. When God created you, he had a purpose and plan. When he saves us, he just getting started.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
He didn’t bring you this far just to leave you. He has a plan and he will see it through, but you have to stay in tight with him. You have to get connected to see this salvation and his ability to pull you through.
You will get through this, but you need to know, you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone.
You will fight to win these battles, but you won’t do it alone. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous as they went in to take possession of the promised land, but he gave them a promise to hold on to.
Joshua 1:5 (ESV) No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.
Did you catch that. He was telling Joshua that although this would be difficult, He would be the one beside him. He is with you.
Today you may be struggling with Anxiety and feel like there's no hope, but the God of Hope is the one that brings exactly what you need.
Romans 15:13 (ESV) 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
He is the God of hope. The one that has all power to restore and renew. He has the power to refill your life with all the joy and peace that it is longing for.
It’s time to start the attack on the anxiety you are feeling.