Sweet Consolations

I sat in my car at the end of my driveway with tears running down my face, shaking from the inside out, heart pounding and gasping for breath.  I knew what was happening, intellectually, but was physically unable to stop the panic attack that had taken hold and would not allow me to turn out of my driveway. So I sat there. Unable to move. Crying. The overwhelming panic finally subsided, but the sense of disorientation and underlying anxiety stayed with me all day.

This was not my first experience with anxiety, but it was the gateway that led me to acknowledge a season of stress and anxiety that I had never experienced before and that I needed help in navigating.  And to be honest, I am still in that season due to the ongoing effects of a pandemic, the loss of friends and family – especially my mother, the challenges and joys of caring for those that I love – my widowed dad, kids, grandkids, husband, etc, and my own aging body.

I wouldn’t trade this crazy life, but I do have to utilize the pressure release options that are available to me.  I see a wise Christian counselor so that my family isn’t my sounding board (reminder: make an appointment!); I exercise for physical release and “think time”; and most importantly, I must stay connected to the Lord through Bible study and prayer, which means that I have to maintain my morning quiet time.

This morning I woke early and started reading in Psalm 94, asking the Lord to show me more of himself.  True to His promises, He did just that. I enjoy reading the verses that speak to me in multiple translations because I find nuggets within the various wordings, especially today.

Psalm 94:19 “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (NIV)   “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.” (NKJV)

During the times of anxiety, whether it is one particular thing that is making me especially anxious (NIV) or many problems and circumstances pressing on me from all sides and making me feel like I am in a hole with no way to get out (NKJV), the Lord is still providing me with consolations and comforts.

What are some of these comforts?

1. PEACE and a guarded heart and mind – Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6, 7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (NKJV) The first part is a well known and often quoted anti-anxiety verse that actually gives instructions on HOW to be anxious for nothing…pray, ask God, and be thankful.  So often though, the second part of the prescription is left out, and that is the good part, the comfort.  If we turn our anxieties into prayers, asking God to deal with them, finding something to be thankful for in them, leaving them at the feet of the God of the Universe, then peace that is not understandable will guard my mind and my heart because of Jesus Christ.  The idea of Jesus guarding my heart and mind so that they would not pound, race, and be in chaos like during my panic attack brings me great comfort.  Peace, we all want it and it is available. He is, after all, the Prince of Peace.
2. Met PHYSICAL NEEDS – Jesus cares about my physical needs that cause anxiety and promises to take care of those needs. Matthew 6:31-32 “So do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” (NIV)  I can remember this when I start to stress over inflation and the price of milk.  I may not be feeding my family steak, but we will not go hungry. Jesus compares my value to that of the birds  (Matthew 6:26-27) and reminds me that God takes care of the birds, so can’t you and I, as those made in His image, trust that the Father will take care of us? Then the question – “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (NIV) The answer is a resounding “NO!” I have tried that and even bought the t-shirt and it does not fit!
3. PRESENCE – Isn’t “presence” what everyone wants from those they care about? The kind of presence that shows up and listens, really listens.  I know that presence and engagement is what makes me happiest with my family around.  And oh my, that is what Jesus does!  Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”  WOW! Fullness of joy is definitely an anxiety buster!                                                      How do you experience His presence?  You have to know Him and and want to know more of Him. How do you come to really know anyone? You need a relationship, not just a passing acquaintance, a nod and a smile. Having a relationship with Jesus starts with accepting that He loves you and died to be your Savior. When you accept Him at His word as who He is, which is Lord of all – you, me, everything, and everybody –  then comes the “getting to know you” part.  He already knows everything about you because He is God, and He loves you anyhow, but you have to get to know Him. This comes from talking with Him in prayer and letting Him speak to you through the Bible. He has a lot to say and it is all good! James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Life is still stressful, and it doesn’t look like it will be slowing down or getting any simpler anytime soon. I haven’t had any more panic attacks, but that is not to say that I won’t. However, if the panic comes I know  that I can turn to Jesus.  He is with me and wants me to cast all my anxieties on Him because He cares for me (I Peter 5:7, NIV), and that is good news, friend.  Very good news, indeed.

What are some of the things stressing you today? Let’s have a conversation! And please share this on your social media.