Sunday, July 12, 2009

My eldest child has been dealing with some major anxiety issues over the past few weeks. If you have never had any experience with panic attacks, they can be difficult to understand. The best explanation I've heard puts it like this. It's like your brain tells you that there's a tiger in the room with you. Your eyes can see that there's no tiger but your brain continues to process adrenaline like the tiger is actually there. For a multitude of reasons Jessi's anxiety has loomed large and vicious these past few weeks. Some days she has been unable to leave the house and has struggled to even leave her room. We have diligently battled the beast and she is making progress toward a normal life again though. One thing that has gone a long way in soothing her spirit has been the Word.

I have become a huge believer in the power of memorized scripture. Until this year, I'd convinced myself that my brain was too old to remember much of anything, let alone something as complicated as the Word of God. Fortunately, Beth invited us to join her in a journey of memorizing the Word. And what a beautiful journey it has been. Words cannot express the comfort I have received from carrying the Word engraved on my heart and mind. Whenever my spirit grows troubled or restless, I can flip through my mental notebook and whisper His Words to my heart. When Jessi calls me in a panicked state, I can give her scriptures that bring healing and comfort. And best of all, she too has learned that His Words bring a healing balm to an anxious heart. (She carries a small notebook filled with scriptures with her everywhere she goes.)

Life is complicated. We may encounter things everyday that are unexpected, overwhelming, difficult, traumatic, hurtful or frightening. With God's Word, we can be prepared to face these moments. I cannot encourage you enough to hide His Words in your heart. (Trust me, if my "overstuffed with fluff" brain can memorize, you can too.)

Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out. Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG

4 comments:

Abba's Girl said...

Amen Sister!!!!

annette said...

Panic is the most frustrating thing. Especially for us "reasonable" types. Everything needs to make sense to me, and panic doesn't usually make sense or respond to reason. It is a God-size problem that only He can fix. Your sweet daughter is in my prayers. She has a lot on her plate right now, and His Word will help to calm her. I know what it must do to you, too, Karen, to feel her pain. I'm praying for you both this morning. Love you, Annette

Traci said...

Oh my gosh Karen, as an ER nurse of 15+ years, I have seen almost as many panic attacks as I have heart attacks. They are very real. I love your analogy of the tiger in the room and the adrenaline. Perfect. You didn't mention medication, but it can work wonders. And scripture memorization and prayers as you did mention. It is a God sized problem for sure and I will be praying for your family tonight.

Angela Baylis said...

I'm so glad you are being blessed by His Word this year. I love how you explained the anxiety. I've never heard it that way and it makes SO much sense. I'm sorry Jessi is having to deal with this. It must be hard when you can't be the one to fix it. I'm sure your scripture memory verses are helping her! I use mine so often! I was stressed out up north last week and had to sit down and journal to get it all out. Every single one of my verses "worked" into what I was struggling with. It's amazing how it is changing my life! I'm praying for you and Jessi!
Love you, friend!
Angie xoxo