Dealing with Acute Onset Anxiety.
Dear Zikora,
Anxiety is that uneasy feeling, or constant worry and fear that overwhelms one because they do not have certain immediate answers. Sometimes, it comes on suddenly, other times, it is an ache that won’t go away. Anxiety makes it difficult to live a fulfilling and joyful life, yet, Life can be filled with all kinds of challenges that create anxiety. Luckily, there is a simple hack that conquers anxiety, especially, when it comes on suddenly! It’s just ABC!
click here to learn how to manage chronic anxiety : How to Cure Chronic Anxiety: Looking back in Gratitude to Face the Future with Confidence-
So, the next time you hear a news or have a thought that suddenly gives you anxiety, do this: A=Agree, B=Believe, and C= Claim the words in Psalms 23. Your anxiety will disappear once you do this regularly. I promise you; it is as easy as that!
Psalms 23 was a very popular chapter growing up. Everybody knew this chapter by heart, and I used to recite it everyday as a child. I still do. Sometimes I cheerfully recite it out loud, other times, it is a proclamation I remind myself in a tiny, terrified voice. Nevertheless, it is a prayer that comforts and calms me instantly and I want you to memorize it. I want you to remember and believe every single word because it is tried and true. I have lived through many experiences, and I can testify to the truth in every word. I have plenty of proof.
This chapter was written long before you and I were born, and it is a lyrical testimony that King David gives summarizing who God is to him, how God helps him navigate life and the assurance that is found in God. This verse was true in King David’s life, it is true in my own life, and it gives me fresh confidence to walk through life unafraid, knowing that I am never alone. Although I know this chapter by heart, reading it again always reminds me of how powerful my God is, and how strong my confidence, faith and trust in him should be. Like I said, I have so many examples of how the words in this chapter have proven true in my life.
So here we go; a breakdown of Psalms 23 for conquering any anxious thought:
a) Is Life Hard? Worried about the future? – trust in God, and do the A, B, C as you recite this verse:
“The lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want”… Psalm 23 vs 1
The above verse means that, God ensures that because we are his children, we are always provided for and that we shall not lack anything that we need.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures”
“He leads me beside still waters”… Psalms 23 vs. 2.
This means that God brings us to a place of abundance and rest. It means we do not have to struggle, or strive, or enter any moral conflict to achieve an abundance of what we need. All we have to do is to remember that God takes care of us, and trust in him completely.
b) Feeling drained and weary, weird, or confused? : Trust God, and do the A, B, C as you recite this verse:
“He restores my soul”
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake”- Psalm 23 vs 3.
The above verse is a reminder that God heals us, even in our soul. God shows us how to do the right thing and helps us as we do it. Remember this during the confusing days.
c) Feeling afraid, alone? – stay calm, and Trust in God, because
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death”
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me”,
“Your rod and your staff, they comfort me”…Psalm 23 vs.4
This verse is a reminder that God is always with us in every situation, every circumstance. No matter how scary, we have nothing to fear. We are guided by God’s words and instructions which also bring us comfort and calm.
d) Feeling like your enemies and those who hate you have won? – Your enemies have not won, trust in God as you recite this verse:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies”;
“You anoint my head with oil;”
“My cup overflows.”…Psalms 23 vs 5
This verse means that despite the evil plans of those who hate you and want to harm you, God will bless you and make you shine and grow. God will set you apart and fill you with the strength and gifts to thrive and succeed. And your enemies will get to watch you flourishing and thriving. The above verse is so true my girl, I have many stories about this and I no longer get upset when I’m surrounded by haters. As we go through the Bible together, you will also see several instances where this is true and the various ways that God has done it in the past. I want you to remember this as you go through life as well.
e) It feels like all hope is lost?– Trust in God. God has a plan to bring you to victory, and you will eventually come out smiling. It is what the verse below means. Don’t loose hope. If you forget everything, I want you remember this verse and make it your mantra:
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life”
“and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever”…Psalm 23
Oh, and here is a little snippet of what we did today: we colored together, and you forced me to color everything like the rainbow. Then you scolded me for not coloring it properly and then we got into a little argument because I said that there isn’t any pink in the rainbow. Then you told me that Violet was your friend’s name and not part of the rainbow colors either.
I gave you many hugs and made pancake and eggs for you three times today because it was the only thing you wanted to eat. I didn’t yell at you today and we had a nap as well. We had a wonderful day today I must say!
