Going to War.

We’re about to get real. Anxiety is a subject that has completely invaded my existence for the past few years. Imagine feeling absolutely unable to make a decision, being overwhelmingly terrified of a casual interaction, and the sensation of being completely separate from reality. This is what so many people go to war with daily. It’s silent. It’s hidden. It’s scary. But it’s redeemable.This article is for those who want to fight back against the doubt and fear, and it might take more than happy thoughts to combat anxiety. One thing that is essential before we really dive in is to know that anxiety is not limited to those who have received a diagnosis. It can be temporary and can depend on one’s situation, but despite the difference in time span, anxiety weighs too heavily on our hearts, and the Lord wants us to be confident in who we are in Him.I always believed that my worry put me in an inescapable position and that my entire existence would be consumed with doubt and fear, but wise people in my life chose to pour into me and speak Truth into my life. These are their thoughts compiled with what the Lord has given me.The first way to combat anxiety in our Christian walk is to be in constant prayer. God’s Word implores us to seek the Lord in all that we do and to pray continually. This is honestly easier said than done. It takes a conscience effort to choose to ask the Lord for healing in your everyday life, and sometimes it’s the last thing you want to do, but the Lord blesses it. He uses our prayer and hears us, builds our relationship with Him and goes before us in love and hope so that we have nothing to fear. Our King is pleading with us to run to Him. We must obey. Why should we ignore the best option we have? He is the Ruler of all things, if anyone can provide healing for the invisible thoughts and feelings, it is the Lord.Another way to combat anxiety that I have seen as extremely effective is to take every thought captive. This comes from a verse in 2 Corinthians 10 that calls believers to dive into Scripture and let it completely invade our hearts. Memorize! Study! Meditate! We are in a fight for preparation. When we fill our hearts and minds with what we know to be true about who God is and who He says we are, we come to terms with our freedom. We can preach truth to ourselves. Sometimes, for me, it takes getting in my car, driving around and literally telling myself that God says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, that every Word of His does not return void, that He has a perfect plan for me, and so much other Truth, all of which comes from Scripture. We have to be prepared for battle, sisters.My last way to combat anxiety is to realize that we are at war. We are fighting Satan and His desire for us to turn from God, lose our trust in Him, and develop a miserable life. We must refuse this feeling. Sometimes we don’t let ourselves heal, but sisters, how much greater can the Lord use us when we let Him take complete control of our lives and hearts. He has a great purpose for each of us. He wants us to love life not to worry about it. We have a great God, and we are fighting an Enemy who wants to destroy that relationship. Do not fall for Satan’s lies, sweet friends. You are worth so much more than the lies he tells you. You are daughters of the King and you have all you could ever need in Him. Let us go forth in love and confidence and let the Lord use us for His great glory because that is the desire of His heart.One day we will dance with no restraint, and we will love with no fear. For when the King returns, it will be as though our pain was but a dream and our hope is the only reality we know.-T.B. Labergewords by Camryn Reeves and photo by Ivy Hansen