The Weekly Encourager - June 10, 2011 - Extreme Anxiety, Part 2

Let's hear more of Laura Ferratt's journey of healing from extreme anxiety.  "I learned from James, chapter 4, that my discontent with God's providence, and my idols of comfort and ease, health and prosperity made me at war with Him.  I didn't get what I wanted, which caused all manner of chaos and anarchy in my home, and most of all, in my heart.  My heart was a roiling cauldron of raging seas until God rescued me and walked me through some studies on having a QUIET spirit, which is beautiful in his sight.  He led me to Psalm 131, and it is now a checkpoint for me when I begin to struggle with fear and depression.  'My heart is not proud, O Lord, My eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.  But I have stilled and quieted my soul...Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.'"

"My error was that I was running, screaming, away from the only One who could give me a quiet heart and mind."  Studying Ephesians 4:18, Laura saw that she had been separated from the life of God due to the hardening of her heart.  She says, "God showed me that He wants to replace this evil desire for earthly control, with the fruit of His Holy Spirit: peace, and godly self-control."  Now when she is tempted by fear, God is training her to respond with the words of Psalm 131, and don't we all need this in our moments of doubt?  We need to humble ourselves and let our minds dwell on the awesome beauty of His holiness.  We need to lean on Him alone and stay so very near Him at all times, like a young child cuddles next to mommy's legs or in her lap when strangers approach.  This child is content as long as he stays with his mother.  He doesn't need to know all that will transpire in the future; he KNOWS he is safe!  The child knows he's safe because mommy is bigger and stronger and wiser and the source of food, clothes, rest, and fun, and she's always been there.  Her limitless love is like an umbrella she holds over him, protecting him from any storm.  I am so thankful that God's banner over me is love.  As long as I stay under His care, and don't try to crawl up on top of the umbrella and direct the clouds and rain and sun, I'll be at peace.

Some final words from Laura: "Patience, grace and compassion shown to me by other believers...have been a big part of my restoration and healing.  I encourage you to search your own heart and pray for God to help you see where you are afraid; those fears are showing you where your treasure is!  [To help] others who are suffering with anxiety and depression, demonstrative, Christ-centered love and grace, along with persistent prayer, are the life-preservers you need to throw them....The Bible tells us to love one another deeply, from the heart, and to share each other's burdens....Let us, together, share these burdens with our Savior, who is a Man of Sorrows, acquainted with grief....Join me in the pursuit of a quiet, sound mind, the mind that is stayed in the rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ."

To be continued...

Set your mind upon the Rock,
j

Copyright 2011 Janet A. Marney
All quotations from Laura Ferratt used by permission.