Archive for the ‘Anxiety & Stress’ Category

HSP and the Christian

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, tagged , , , on August 14, 2023| Leave a Comment »

About a month ago I came across a website that talked about a trait about 15 to 20 percent of people have which is called a “highly sensitive person” or HSP. On this website hsperson.com there is a test to see if you are that kind of person. So, of course, I took the test, and wouldn’t you know it indicates I am an HSP. I looked into this trait more and for me it explains a lot of things about myself I didn’t know. Being an HSP is not a bad thing. It means our brains are wired so we perceive the world differently. In fact, it is a gift from God.

I learned a highly sensitive person has a rich inner life. What does that mean? We are attuned to others and take in so much information and emotion we need time for our brains to process it all. A rich inner life is great! We love and enjoy nature. We might sit by a stream and daydream as the water ripples by. We admire God’s handiwork all around us and are thrilled by a special bird sighting. We enjoy a beautiful sunset and admire God’s signature on a wonderful day. We meditate on God’s word and roll it around in our minds. We have good imaginations. We are curious about everything and do lots of research. We see the bright side of situations and are not Debby Downers.

What does it mean if you are a Christian and an HSP? It means God has gifted us in a special way.

God created the world and everything in it including us. It is amazing to look at nature and admire God’s creations. He made birds but just look at all the varieties. They are not all alike. People are not all alike either. There are many colors, sizes, and variations.

God created each of us for His purpose. We are custom made! He chose us before the foundation of the world. He knows us through and through. If you find you are a HSP you can rejoice that God has gifted you in a special way. Being sensitive to spiritual things helps us have a rich Christian life. I think it best to view HCP from a Christian perspective.

How can we use our unique traits to help the cause of Christ? Let’s think about some of the gifts God has given Christians. Every Christian has been given at least one Spiritual gift and most have more than one. In the Bible many of the Spiritual gifts are found in Romans 12:6-8 and I Corinthians 12:8-11. Here are a few. I’m sure there are more.

  • Mercy: Romans 12:15 We serve others. We have empathy for others and notice their needs and feel their emotions. We are great listeners and make others feel comfortable to share. This is a great help both in church and outside of church.
  • Teachers: As we do Bible study it helps that we are deep thinkers. Therefore we can be discerning and be aware of false teaching. We might make good Sunday School teachers, small group leaders, or counselors.
  • Exhortation: By being good listeners we encourage and guide others. We are peacemakers as we don’t like conflict. Matthew 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
  • Leadership and Administration: We are problem solvers which is always needed in the church. We can lead others in many different areas of the church.
  • Wisdom & Knowledge: We can apply the knowledge we learn from the Bible in a wise and caring way.
  • Faith: We are sensitive and have lots of faith because we believe God’s word and apply it to our everyday lives. We believe God is there and will take care of us. We pray for and with others. We make good prayer warriors.

If you are a HSP thank and praise God for the wonderful way He has created you. Enjoy your special traits and see how you can use them to help the cause of Christ.

There are a few cons to being a HSP as well. If we are aware of them, we need to guard ourselves.

  • People pleasers: For instance, we are empathetic toward others and feel their pain. We may begin to “people please” and put their needs ahead of our own. This can get us in trouble if we allow others to take advantage of us in this area. That can happen. I must be careful in this area myself. It is easy to feel sorry for someone and end up taking on their burdens.
  • Hurt feelings: We tend to get our feelings hurt easily. I’ve found that to be true. But, by knowing this we can pray for the one who hurt us and let it go. We don’t have to let it fester in our minds.
  • Afraid to say “no”: We use a lot of energy being a HSP and need time to be by ourselves to decompress and reflect. Others don’t always understand when we don’t want to go somewhere or do something. If we know ourselves, we don’t have to feel guilty for saying no. It’s OK to say no! We have our limitations and should not try to keep up with others.
  • Overstimulation: We get overstimulated when things are too intense. I was in a church recently and the beautiful music and blend of voices overwhelmed me. I became very emotional. It was too much. Afterward I felt wiped out and needed to be home by myself for the rest of the day to unwind my brain. In reflecting on this I remember this reaction happening several times in the past. I didn’t realize why. Now I know. I not comfortable in large groups of people, concerts, and even violent movies They all wear on me.

The more we realize why we feel the way we do the more control we have over our lives. Knowledge is powerful.

I’m sure there are many other pros and cons to being a HSP. It has been enlightening to me and now I truly understand myself better. God made me just the way I am, and it is wonderful to accept that.

If you can relate to any of this, I would love for you to share that in the comments.

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Your Friend, Jesus!

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, tagged , , , , , on March 26, 2020| Leave a Comment »

We are going through a time like none that I’ve ever seen in my 76 years of life. That doesn’t mean that I should be anxious and worried and full of fear or start having panic attacks again. I don’t know how this is affecting you, but I’m thinking more and more about the Word of God and all the precious promises He has given to comfort us.

Some of you might be working from home and the children are out of school for a period of time. Bills are piling up, and things look very uncertain.  Every day we hear new statistics that are alarming. It is hard. For me I am alone at this time as my husband passed away a few weeks ago. I’m of the “higher risk” group so I’m staying home and hunkering down. But, I’m not actually alone because I have Christ in my heart. I went for a walk today and was reminded of the old hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

What a Friend we have in Jesus,  All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer!

Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?

Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful  Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Joh 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

 

Precious Savior, still our refuge, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee, Thou will find a solace there.

Heb. 13:5 … I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 

God is good!  He has promised us that He will never ever leave us nor forsake us.  Isn’t that wonderful?  If you are a Christian it is true.  He didn’t promise this to those who don’t believe.  If you are a non-believer here is a link to my little booklet The True Gospel Message.  God bless everyone!

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Coronavirus: Anxiety & Fear

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, Scripture, tagged , , , on March 20, 2020| 3 Comments »

 

Dear Friends,

I have not been able to write any articles on here for a long time due to my husband’s health and my own.  I feel at this extraordinary time with the Coronavirus in our world I wanted to do something to help and felt the desire to give some comfort to my friends.

Are you worried?  Are you anxious?  It is no wonder with all the bad news we hear on the television and internet every day.  But, I’m here to tell you that we can overcome these feelings.

I have listed below a number of scriptures that help us in times of anxiety and fear.

Here are a couple of suggestions:

You can copy this list of scripture promises and put it somewhere handy. Then you can turn to it when you need to claim a promise from God’s word.

Copy the verses that are especially meaningful to you on 3 X 5 cards. Memorize them so that they become a part of you and you own them. Then you can call upon them whenever and wherever you need to.

Let God’s word become a part of you, to permeate your soul. The Word is your spiritual food and will enable you to grow into a strong Christian. The Word is also the sword of the Spirit and is valuable to fight your battles. Sometimes I sit quietly, go through my cards, and meditate on the meaning of each verse.

1.”…Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)

2. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” II Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

3. “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

4. “…greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” I John 4:4 (KJV)

5. “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13 (KJV)

6. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” I Peter 5:7 (NIV)

7. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9 (NIV)

8. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

9. “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” II Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

10. “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 (NIV)

11. “Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” II Peter 1:4 (NIV)

12. “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

13. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

14. “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,…” Joel 2:25 (KJV)

15. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

16. “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.'” Romans 8:15 (NIV)

17. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7a (NIV)

18. “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

19. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,…I John 4:18

20. “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (KJV)

21. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you…Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” John 14:27 (KJV)

22. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” II Corinthians 12:9(NIV)

23. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

24. “The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

25. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned…” Isaiah 43:1,2 (NIV)

26. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

27. “…whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Proverbs 1:33 (NIV)

28. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fail.” Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

29. “and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:15 (NIV)

30. “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us.” Romans 8:31(KJV)

31. “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” Psalm 119:45 (NIV)

I pray these scripture verses will comfort you through these trying times.  I’m leaning on the Lord and His Word to get me through.  If you have any more favorite fear fighting scriptures or ideas to cope please share them in the comment section.

Blessings to all!

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More Right Thinking

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian Living, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , , on May 5, 2017| 1 Comment »

colossians3_1-2

Colossians 3:2 (NIV) “Set your minds on things above, not on
earthly things.”

God tells us to think about things above. To me that means to think
about Heaven and what it is going to be like for us someday. Those are
good thoughts. In Heaven there will be no more tears, sorrow, death,
sickness, panic attacks, fear, anxiety, or diseases. We will have strong, healthy,
brand new bodies.

God doesn’t want us to dwell on our feelings. Do you know that your feelings
can’t hurt you? When we dwell on them we increase the amount of adrenaline
that is released in our bodies and other uncomfortable feelings crop up. God
doesn’t want us to go over and over again in our minds how someone has hurt
us. He doesn’t want us to worry about tomorrow and the things we will have to
face. He doesn’t even want us to be consumed with getting material possessions.
God knows that these things are not healthy for us to constantly think about.
Setting our thoughts on things above also means to think about Jesus, what
he is like and all about his life while he was here on earth.

Many times in the past when I could not go to sleep, I’d make myself think
about Jesus instead of concentrating on the noises outside. I’d start with his birth
and try to remember all I could about him; how he taught and healed people,
how he died and rose again. I never got through his whole life because
somewhere along the line I’d fall asleep.

You see, that was far better for me to think about then to fret over the next
day, or about myself and my feelings. Isn’t it wonderful how God helps us to
know how we should think?

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Right Thinking

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, Uncategorized, tagged , , , , on April 12, 2017| Leave a Comment »

2corinthians10_5

II Corinthians 10:5 (KJV) “Casting down imaginations, and every
high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing
into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.”

I believe God wants us to be different from the world. We are different because
we are now his children, and we need to even think differently from those of
the world. As we read and study God’s word our thoughts line up more and
more with his. We learn what his will is and we become more like him. This is all
a part of our Christian growth. Our minds become renewed.

God loves us so much that he wants us to learn how to think his way.
Do you know what it means when it says “casting down imaginations?” I believe
in a practical sense that means not to daydream or fantasize about things. When
we do that we may get something in our lives that has a strong hold over us. Our
minds are very powerful. We can think up all kinds of things, not always good.
For example, if we watch certain T.V. shows (like the soaps) maybe we begin
to imagine ourselves playing out the part of the hero or heroine. What if it’s a hot,
steamy sex scene? Do you think God wants us watching that? No, he doesn’t.
When we do, we are conforming to this world.

Notice he says “and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of
Christ.” Isn’t it great to know that we can bring our thoughts into captivity? When
something is captive it is controllable. Our thoughts don’t have to rule us.
Do you know that our thoughts can cause all kinds of things to take place in
our bodies? They can lower or raise our blood pressure and temperatures.
Thoughts can cause us to perspire. All kinds of physical aliments are subject to
the way we think. Such as; headaches, heart problems, colitis, ulcers,
insomnia, irritable bowl syndrome, and more. Relationship problems also can be
affected by the way we think. For example; arguments, disagreements, and other
hurtful words affect us physically.

Do you know our thoughts can trigger panic attacks? Think about the “what
ifs.” As we think about “what if” this or that happens, physical changes actually
do take place in the body. Our adrenaline starts pumping and our hearts
start beating faster and harder. Our hands may break out in a sweat, and
we wonder, “what is happening to me?”

Take a step back then, and realize what you were thinking about.
Remember, God wants us to be able to control our thoughts. I confess I was once
totally controlled by my own thoughts. Now I’ve learned how to take that control
back. I believe with all my heart it is the reason I have not had a panic attack
in over seven years.

During those panic free years I’ve had some of the most challenging times of
my whole life, but I’ve not slipped back into having panic attacks again. Did I
have any panic symptoms? Yes, and when they started to come I was able to
prevent an attack from happening by praying and asking God for help, then
taking control of my thoughts.

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A New Outlook!

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, Uncategorized, tagged , , , on April 5, 2017| Leave a Comment »

1corinthians15_10

Philippians 3:13b-14 (NIV)“…But one thing I do: Forgetting what is
behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to
win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Paul is speaking in this scripture to the Philippians. He is telling them that he
has learned to forget the past and lean forward or strain toward what’s ahead.
It means to consider the past done with and settled. We can’t go back and do
it over. But, we can go on with a new outlook as we put the past behind us.
This will apply to people in different ways, because of our different
backgrounds.

One thing that comes to my mind immediately is forgiveness for
those who have hurt us in the past. This is not always easy, but it is God’s will
for us, and when we do his will we begin to feel the peace he has for us in that
situation. I believe a lot of our anxiety comes out of holding unforgiven hurts
inside. By letting them go we can begin to heal.

Paul speaks about pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called him. For us that prize is Heaven and all the glory to be found
there. It will be wonderful! And, there are no anxiety attacks in Heaven!
So, with God, it is possible to get a new outlook, a fresh start. We can put
the past behind and press on with God. This is great to know and encourages us
as we continue to battle fear. Let’s try not to dwell on our past fearful
feelings. Let’s try to put them behind us and know that God has something better
for us ahead. Let’s pray and read the Word, and learn how healing it can be.

Dear God, please bless this word to each and every one who reads it. Allow
them to ask you to search their hearts for anything that they need to forgive. In
Jesus’ name. Amen.

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A New Mind!

Posted in Abolish Anxiety, Anxiety & Stress, Christian Living, Panic Attacks, Psalms to Conquer Anxiety!, tagged , , , , , on March 3, 2017| 1 Comment »

romans12_2
Romans 12:2 (NIV) “Do not conform anymore to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you
will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing,
and perfect will.”

Someone once said, “If you were to be arrested today for being a Christian
would there be enough evidence against you to convict you?” We Christians
don’t have to do the things we did before, we don’t have to follow the crowd,
we can be brand new.

For myself, after I became a Christian I lost the few friends I had, because
they did not understand me anymore, because I had changed. I knew I was
different because their foul language and bad behavior bothered me and it never
did before. When they would take the name of Jesus in vain, it was like a sharp
knife stabbing me in the heart. The good news is that God gave me another
group of friends who are really much better for me.

Today’s verse says, “be transformed!” We do this by renewing our mind, by
rejecting old patterns of thought and concentrating on new ones. I’ve found that
to renew my mind I must keep in the Word. As I read it, study it, and meditate upon it, it sinks down into my being and actually does renew my mind. It is a process. As it takes place, I discover what God wants for me.

God wants good things for all of us, just as any good father would want for
his children. When Christ comes in, instead of living just to please ourselves, we
begin to please him and lift up others.

God wants to help us fight fear and anxiety. His Word is full of suggestions
for achieving good mental health. Search and find a promise for yourself
today. Then claim it and stand on it. He is faithful!

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Vain Regrets!

Posted in Anxiety & Stress, Bible Study, Christian Living, tagged , , , , , , on February 12, 2016| Leave a Comment »

1corinthians15_10

Spiritual Depression: #4 “Vain Regrets,” a sermon by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

 

 

Here is another very important sermon regarding the unhappy Christian.  Sometimes people get hung up on the past, and constantly dwell on it.  Is that you?  When this happens we become unable to do the works Christ has for us, and the devil gets the victory.

Dr. Jones says this:

We must never for a second worry about anything that cannot be affected or changed by us.  It is a waste of energy.  If you can do nothing about a situation stop thinking about it; never again look back at it, never think of it.  If you do, it is the devil defeating you.

One scripture that comes to my mind while studying this sermon is what Paul says in Philippians 3:13-14:

philippians3_14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

He tells us to forget the past and press forward toward the mark for the prize.  Like a runner in a race, we need to set our focus to do the work that God has called us to do.

You may ask, “Do you have regrets?”  Yes, I have many of them.  There were times in my life where I did let my regrets get me down.  I was down-hearted and depressed that I didn’t have the life that many of my friends had.  I was poor financially, physically and spiritually.  But, I kept in the Word and I was able to learn that I didn’t need to stay that way.  I had to focus on Jesus and things above and not on the world around me.  We have a home in heaven and we have all spiritual blessings.  God will never leave us or forsake us.  He is with us always and has the best intentions toward us.

I will never forget one day as I sat in my chair having my prayer time this scripture came to mind.

Joel 2:25 KJV And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten,…

I knew at that moment that this was a promise that God was giving me.  Tears started to run down my cheeks.  It was wonderful!  Yes, God would restore those years that I felt were lost, and I claimed that promise and had a new peace inside.  Do you know what?  God did just that!  Since that time, my health was restored.  I got completely over having panic attacks.  Fear no longer controls me!  I met a wonderful Christian man and got married.  With him I got 4 step-children, and 8 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  I’d say God restored to me the years the locust had eaten!

How about you?  Are you willing to quit thinking about your past regrets and press on with God? I’d love to hear your comments below, and I do hope you listen to this excellent sermon.  You just might find the answers you look for.

 

 

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