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It is very easy to succumb to the narrative of this world. The media – news and social media proclaim death, destruction and hopelessness, 24 hours a day. They detail horrendous acts perpetrated by human beings, revealing individuals’ weaknesses (real or imagined), and report the worst accidents and natural disasters that have occurred all over the world. Our family, friends, and colleagues often repeat what they have heard, broadcasting the suffering that has occurred. This is often an attempt by people to understand the truly inexplicable.

Listening to or watching these horrifying tales and events leads to discouragement and fear. Discouragement breeds hopelessness and fear unchecked may lead to panic.

Hopelessness cripples our joy and faith in the Lord leaving us locked in a prison of desperation. Fear causes our minds to worry about the unknown outcomes in our future – what if such and such happens? Followed closely by and what would I do then, etc. Countless minutes, hours and days can be lost to imagining the worst possible scenario and how to handle it if it occurs. This kind of thinking may leave us paralyzed and incapable of functioning in day-to-day life.

Many years ago, I became so worried about things that had unfolded in my life and trying to manage the what ifs that I suffered panic attacks. At this time I was not following Jesus or practicing my faith. I was put on an antidepressant, however, still felt down and anxious. I was desperate to avoid anything that might trigger extreme anxiety. I discovered I had to move away from the things that made me fearful. I had an unhealthy work environment and therefore, I found work elsewhere. I also stopped watching the news as it increased the fear of the future I had been experiencing. These things all helped, however, they did not solve the issue.

I realise now that true freedom from anxiety and depression come from God.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)

Keith Ferrin speaks about these verses and says the only way to practice our faith is to allow the truths of God’s word to be louder than the messages the world is proclaiming. When we internalize God’s word and remind ourselves of who God is, what He has done and who we are in Christ Jesus then hope, faith, joy, love and peace will blossom in our lives.

When my husband and I returned to the Lord in 2019, I found the answer – faith in God. I spent more time in God’s Word (the bible), praising and worshiping Him and chatting to Him (praying). I joined my church and started fellowshipping in a Christian community, linking in with a prayer group and a connect group. Soon I was able to cease my anti-depressants with no ill-effect. Around a year later I signed up for School of Faith and began learning more about our amazing God, His ways and my identity in Christ Jesus. I spent more time pursuing God than I did on social media, listening to the news or watching TV. I decreed God’s truths daily. I refused to agree with people speaking about the ills of this world and declared God’s promises over the world and myself. I kept my eyes on Jesus and my faith in the Lord has grown larger than anything being broadcast in the natural world.

I was healed. I have not experienced severe anxiety since. In fact, I am filled with unshakeable faith in a God who is bigger than any possible calamity or catastrophic event. I live with incredible hope, love, joy and the peace that surpasses all understanding. My prayer is for you to experience this also.

I hope this blog has blessed you. If you would like to comment or subscribe, please click on the link below. Alternatively, you could message me directly at admin@jesus4generations.com. Please pass this on to anyone you think would benefit from reading or listening to it. God bless you and your family!