I’ve been thinking a lot about emotions and the struggle many are having with depression and anxiety today. I’d like to share some things that God has given me to work through these things. Though I still have times that I struggle, it is no comparison to what it once was. For many years I asked for God’s help in overcoming the strength of my emotions. Funny enough, it was in 2020, the year of chaos that I received my biggest breakthrough.
First, here is a few simple things that you can put your energy into. Putting mental energy into something positive helps to take energy away from stress. There is much energy in anxiety, so I have found that keeping my body and mind busy helps.
Art and other creativity:
Doodling or painting keeps hands moving and you can use different drawing tools to focus on the lines, shapes, and colors you’re making on the paper. You can also write a message or letter to yourself or someone else and paint over it. We can use colors to communicate a feeling. Visual journaling helps in the same way. Write a story or a song, creativity can be a great release.
Exercise, getting out in nature:
This works great. I don’t do this as much in colder months, but when I do the difference is noticeable. Just spending time in nature alone can be healing.
Focal Point:
This is the only thing I got out of Lamaze when I was pregnant. God has brought this truth back to me in a variety of ways. What you focus on matters. Humans seem to tend to focus more on the negative. Whether you are driving or skydiving or whatever, you tend to follow what you have your eye on. Peter began to sink when his eye left Jesus and focused on the wind and waves.
I’m sure that you’ve heard of deep breathing techniques to focus on your breathing rather than the pressing stress of the moment.
Pray, declare the word of God:
One day, God brought these things together for me as I was super anxious and having trouble breathing normally or focusing. I began to blurt out scripture without really giving thought to what I was saying. The bible is not a magic concoction. It is food for our entire being (Mt. 4:04).
These are a few verses that I use often:
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isa. 53:5)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Jn. 14:27)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:7)
When I became aware or what I was doing, I stopped, breathed deeply, and focused directly on the Word of God I was speaking. I focused on breathing that word in. Pretty soon instead of the stress that had been before me, I began to see what a good Father God is. He loves us so much that he cares about our hearts, minds, and souls. As I continued doing this, a deep peace came over me. Then, it became a time of worship. Those times of worship are where I have had the most significant and lasting breakthroughs and healing. Worship is a place where we can rest and let go of those things we are holding onto. God longs for relationship with you. Relationships are built by spending time together. Most people wouldn’t be content to spend an hour or two a week or less with their husband or wife. Neither does God. He calls the church his bride. This is an intimate relationship, not a distant one.
Remember, you can give your worries to God, because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
(The image above was taken last summer near our local 4-H. It’s a great place to sit and draw.)
Melicia Evans 