|
|
|
|
|
|
Experiencing peace that only comes from God
by Beth-Anne Grant
|
|
|
|
|
The lyrics of a song that
I heard several years ago remain imprinted in my mind.
Although I can no longer recall the musician’s name, his
words stay with me: "In the midst of my confusion - In
the time of desperate need - When I’m thinking not too
clearly - A gentle voice intercedes. Slow down, Slow down,
Be still My child; Be still and wait on the Spirit of the
Lord; Slow down and hear His voice and know that He is God.
" By the time you pick up this paper to read, America
may well be at war. This possibility following on the heels
of the tragic loss of life on the Columbia may be creating a
level of uncertainty as to your life’s stability. Void of
these two global issues, the demands of life may easily be
creating a feeling of being overwhelmed. This uncertainty
may be blossoming into a form of anxiety. So, what exactly
is anxiety and how do you cope with it?
Diagnostically, anxiety can be rather complex so think of it
simply as fear
that you are internalizing. Fear/anxiety
are normal emotions resulting from a perceived threat;
whether the threat is vague or clearly defined. Anxiety is
not simply worry or nervousness but can range from
experiencing a panic attack lasting several minutes, to
restrictive agoraphobia, to generalized anxiety disorder.
Among these and other categories of anxiety there exist
varying symptoms. Included in the list are:
• Helplessness
• Confusion
• Recurrent negative thinking
• Restlessness
• Feeling shaky
• Shortness of breath
•Tachycardia (accelerated heart rate)
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Be assured that if you are struggling with anxiety, you are
not alone. Sometimes a very clear, specific event may
trigger anxiety, and sometimes anxiety results as events
compound. But don’t be discouraged because there are means
to cope with anxiety.
I frequently tell people that anxiety may be like the flurry
of quail flying up from a field, or it may develop like the
consecutive rings in water after a pebble has been tossed
in. Regardless of the "type " of anxiety you may
be encountering, let me encourage you to read two Scripture
passages. Remember, "Truth sets you free!" ((John
8: 32) The first passage is Philippians 4: 4-9. This passage
provides a plan-of-action regarding coping with anxiety.
Let’s look at the Philippians Anxiety Antidote!
#1 –Pray specifically
about issues
that create anxiety in your life. Remember
though that prayer is talking with
God and that
involves not only what you say to God but also taking time
to listen for
His response. Taking time goes against our culture’s
hectic life style, so you will need to resolve to pray.
#2 –Think
positive thoughts. Replace
the anxiety provoking thoughts with thoughts that are
"pure, lovely and of a good report. " The process
is similar to splicing a tape. As soon as you become aware
of the anxiety-provoking thought, train yourself to replace
the thought. The more you "splice " the negative
thought, , the sooner your focus will be on "the good
" in your life and the calmer you will feel.
#3 –Actively
work on reducing your anxiety.
It will not idly disappear. You must "do
the things you
have learned and received and heard and seen. " The
promise in this antidote is that you WILL experience a peace
that only comes from God !
The second passage is II Timothy 1: 7 which is a strong
truth encouragement. "For God has not given you a
spirit of fear, but of power
and of love
and of a sound
mind . " Let
me encourage you to memorize this verse and even use it as
you work on "splicing " and replacing the
anxiety-provoking thoughts.
Guard the amount of caffeine you ingest as it accelerates
your heart and respiration. Remember, the idea is to create
a "calm " within your entire body, so be careful
to not sabotage your anxiety reduction efforts by having a
"good " cup of coffee!!
While you are experiencing anxiety, do not watch the news.
There are too many uncontrollable events discussed on the
news, and hearing about such events can exacerbate your
anxiety. Turn off the T. V. and turn on a CD of classical
music or praise music. Be "active " though and focus
on the music to
guard your thoughts from racing on the negative. Utilize
this type of music if you are having difficulty falling
asleep or awakening during the night. The music needs to be
soothing (not a Third Day praise CD!!) and remember, you
must focus on
the music.
Another helpful coping tool is to implement deep-breathing
exercises (or diaphragmatic breathing). Take a minute in the
morning and before bed and place one hand on your abdomen
and take a slow deep breath so that your abdomen moves up
and down. Repeat this four times. Whenever you feel anxious
or panicky, check your breathing and slow it down.
Redirection of your attention will also help to diffuse
anxiety as will taking time to "play. " For some
people "playing " is foreign, and you may need to
practice engaging in an activity that is interesting,
pleasurable and holds your interest.
Also, depending upon the type of anxiety and the duration of
symptoms, you may need to seek professional help through a
licensed therapist and you may benefit from medication
prescribed through a psychiatrist. In closing, let me once
again encourage you to "be still, and know that I am
God " ((Psalms 46: 10). You cannot stop all events or
issues from producing anxiety, but you most certainly can
experience peace amidst the turmoil!
Beth-Anne
Grant is a licensed marriage and family therapist who
integrates Biblical principles in her Christian counseling
practice. You may reach her at 922-9184.
|
|
