The Weekly Encourager - June 29, 2011 - Answering Anxiety, Part 2

Several of you who've been reading along about my friend Laura's situation are burdened with your own difficult trials. My heart goes out to each one of you! I thought I'd share what I wrote in response to one dear lady, in case it might apply to others:

As for an answer, I don't know what I can give you, except the same truth that I know from my own experience: God is good and He loves you and He sends these hard trials for your growth in faith. A passage that has really encouraged me over the years is in Psalm 145:

"The Lord sustains all who fall, and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou dost given them their food in due time.
Thou dost open Thy hand, and dost satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and kind in all His deeds.
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.
The Lord keeps all who love Him; but all the wicked, He will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord; and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever."
- Psalm 145:14-21 (NASB)

I encourage you to stay close to the Lord, His word, and His people.

- No matter how exhausted you are, you can read one uplifting verse each day and try to meditate upon it throughout the day. Hang verses around your house and let your kids read them to you.

- You can cry out to the Lord "in truth" with all your emotions, including sadness, fear, confusion, and even anger at Him for giving you such a hard providence. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, and He will answer. I have seen this in my own life. The more honest I get with Him, the more He helps.

- You can make a list of all the good things He's blessed you with, including a Christian husband and lovely children, and cultivate a garden of thankfulness in your heart and in your home. It probably goes without saying, but your attitude will be absorbed 100% by your children. These tender years are critical to their emotional and spiritual development. Monkey see - monkey do!

- You can remind your church of your needs and ask for practical help such as meals, childcare, and time with godly women who can encourage you.

- Limit your exposure to "Debbie Downer" people who suck your strength, even if they are related to you.

- Sing or play good music in your home and in your car (not just "Christian music" please, but anything that makes you smile). ♪♪

- Do something fun every day, even if it's just for 15 minutes.

- Go to church, especially when you don't feel like going!

- If you see a counselor, it can be very helpful, but test everything they say against the word of God. Ask the doctor or psychologist if he recommends medication. I've been taking a low dose of anti-depressant for years and it has meant the difference between life and death for me (just ask my husband).

- Be sure to get enough sleep, healthy food, exercise, and time away from your duties.

- Seek out a prayer partner. Christians know intellectually that we must suffer in this life, yet sometimes it's hard to endure day after day. It often helps to share your struggle with "boots on the ground."

Know that I am keeping you before the Throne of Grace. May the Lord lift your heart and strengthen your spirit. I am praying that, even in this trial, you will know the joy of the Lord!

With love in Him,
j