I Struggle with Anxiety

Last night at small group I got into a conversation with someone who shares a similar struggle as I do. We both suffer from anxiety. I started experiencing anxiety about five years ago when my son Kaleb was going through all of his medical struggles. I remember having my first panic attack and not understanding what was happening to my body. I later learned that this was brought on by anxiety caused from the stress in my life. Since that time I have struggled with in anxiety in spurts and seasons. I tend to recognize the symptoms of anxiety start to creep in and its my indicator that I need to go exercise some more to help relieve stress.

I remember thinking to myself that I was crazy. I did not tell anyone because I thought, "nobody will understand." After I spoke with some friends about it I began to realize that others experience anxiety as well. In my discussion last night, we talked about how anxiety, depression, and other similar things are the result of fears and strongholds. They are either brought on by things we dread happening (fear) or they are things that we have put as more powerful than God (strongholds).

I don't want to write a book today so I'll close with this: many of us, Christian and non-Christian, struggle with things in our lives, but we are not alone in our struggles. We put our anxieties, fears, depression, and worries in His hands. I have resolved myself to the fact that I may struggle with anxiety my whole life, but I will never be alone, and I always have the hope of Christ. Jesus says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." That is a hope to take with you today, regardless of what burdens you may carry.