Anxiety

Have you ever suffered from anxiety, whether minor or absolutely paralyzing?

Hey GEM girls! I’m sure I’m not the only one who has dealt with anxiety before. Anxiety is a very real thing for teens today. About 30% of teens today are diagnosed with anxiety disorders (National Institutes of Health). When I was a kid, I was super friendly and extremely talkative. For some reason, as I entered my late teen years, I developed social anxiety. I’ve always been an introvert, but I could still have normal, non-awkward conversations with others. But suddenly, I could barely look the server in the eye to tell them my order at a restaurant. I couldn’t go into a store by myself. Anywhere where there were people, I was too anxious to function correctly.

My mom began noticing this pattern, and to combat it, she began having me go places by myself. I was absolutely terrified, but did it because I needed to (and because she kept telling me that it was an essential life skill).

One afternoon as I scrolled through my Pinterest feed, I saw a pin that caught my attention. The title read, “Bible verses that will help you deal with anxiety”. Intrigued, I clicked on the post and read the verses. I’ll write them below.

• “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34 (NKJV)

• “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

• “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
  

• “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.” Proverbs 4:6-7

• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

• “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” Philippians 4:6

Anxiety is not of God. I began to realize this as I read those verses. They helped me realize that I needed to put more trust and confidence in God. When I was being fearful about my situation or those around me, I wasn’t focusing on God. But when I was trusting in God, I wasn’t being anxious or fearful about my circumstances.

I am still an introvert and still deal with anxiety from time to time, but it no longer determines what I do.

Have you ever dealt with anxiety? If so, how have you dealt with it?

Xoxo,