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Raise awareness. End Stigma. Point to Hope.
 Anxiety is a beast that cannot be tamed. It is not ours to keep-to domesticate. It is born of the wildest beast of the earth. No possessive pronouns will soften its hard core, so that it considers your frail frame. It is on a mission-it only sees you as prey. No! It must be excised-it must be snuffed out. Don't harbor any affection for it. Don't make room for it in your personality. It is not the way of any whole soul to be in a perpetual state of fear. No! It's not because you are "introverted". You are being terrorized by an intruder. That's right, anxiety is an intruder. You've got to get angry about its presence. You've got to get ruthless with it. He masquerades as wisdom, but he only offers counsel to inspire fear. You've got to snuff him out. You've got to kill it. There is a season for everything under the sun, and it is kill season. (Ecclesiastes 3: 1 - 8). Show him no mercy. First Things First Anxiety is a formidable foe. It has power to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10). The threat is real. We have an enemy who is on the prowl. (1 Peter 5:8). And this truth coincides with the truth of our own frailty. We cannot win the battle in our own strength. Mood lighting, schedule adjustments, counseling and even medication will never rid you of its presence. It is darkness and its destruction requires the power of light. This power is found in the person of Jesus Christ, who dwells within every believer in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is the power that is greater than the powers that work in the world. (Zechariah 4:6 and 1 John 4:4). This is the power by which we put to death that which peddles death to our souls. We must be helped by God if we are to overcome. God searches for those to whom He may prove Himself strong. These are they who know that they are frail and will rely on His strength. (2 Chronicles 16:9). Beloved, if you have been fighting this battle in your own strength, I extend to you an invitation to make God your defender. If you will invite His help by calling on His name and following His counsel, you will find Him to be a shield around you-One who bestows glory on you and lifts your head. (Psalm 3:3). It doesn't need to be fancy. Just say, "Jesus, help me." He helps everyone who calls upon Him by faith. (Romans 10:14). He knows the depths of the waters that threaten to consume you. You don't have to explain. He knows. Check What You Believe Anxiety thrives on lies. Fight with the truth. Fight with the infallible and incorruptible Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17 and 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17). Lie #1: You are alone in the world. No one cares. There is no one to help. Truth: God is near. He is not far from anyone. He cares. He loves you. And, He proved it by sending Jesus. He proved it by dying in the person of Jesus on a cross for you, that accepting His payment of your sins you may have the good pleasure of receiving His righteousness and living in continued fellowship with Him- Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you do not know Him, the grace to know Him is available to you today. Today is the day of salvation. Take that step here today. If you are in relationship with Him, take hold of this beautiful promise: "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV). Be confident, that though the waves of life come at you, that the blood of Jesus makes a plea for you that the Father honors. (Hebrews 12:24). And the strength of the Godhead comes to protect you from your accuser. He comes to rescue the one He loves. And He loves you. (Isaiah 43: 1 - 4). Lie #2: Your help is impotent. Truth: God is omnipotent (all powerful). Period. Everything He sets His mind to He accomplishes. Nothing can thwart His purposes in the earth. Nothing. (Isaiah 14: 27 and Isaiah 43: 13 and Matthew 19: 26). Lie #3: Your foe is equal to your help. The outcome of the battle is up in the air. Truth: God has no equal. Satan is a defeated foe. He is not God's equivalent. He is not omnipotent (all powerful). He is not omniscient (all knowing). He is not omnipresent (present everywhere). He is not victorious. Victory belongs to Jesus, at whose name every thing in the heavens, on the earth and down below, must bow. (Philippians 2: 10 - 11). And as they bow, His kingdom is revealed. Speak to the storm that rages within you and see it subdued under the authority of Jesus vested in you. (Luke 10:19). Sing the Truth Let faith rise, as you profess what you have yet seen but believe is, because He said so. And He is not a man that He would lie. (Numbers 23:19). Sing while He launches ambush against your enemy. (2 Chronicles 20). Consider using the resources of the The Verses Project to help you internalize the truth of God's Word in song. It publishes Scripture set to music and even gives you the option of subscribing to a weekly devotional, using the focus Scripture. Check it out here! Resources for You and Your Church Get access to the mental health awareness guide for your church here.
This guide includes the following:
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EditorCarolyn Sinclair McCalla is a daughter of God who believes that as we seek the truth of God's Word, and humble ourselves to live in agreement with it, that we will experience the transformation which allows us to enter wholistic wellness: spirit, soul and body. She is the Founder and President of EarthBasic and leads its Be-Held Community: a group of women seeking, living and being transformed by the truth of God’s Word together. She is thrilled at the call to extend the Be-Held Community to include Be-Held Peace of Mind: a monthly publication providing Christ-centered mental health resources that raise awareness about mental health issues, end stigma around mental illness and point persons to hope in Jesus Christ. Archives
February 2021
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