Testimony Tuesday -

Once, I was a joyful little girl, surrounded by love and laughter, but my mother’s anxious nature cast a shadow over my young life. Whenever my dad was late, I’d find her in distress, tears streaming down her cheeks as she feared the worst. Though my dad worked hard to provide for us, her relentless worry overshadowed her stability, a constant reminder of her fear of losing everything. 

My mom grew up in poverty with an unstable, depressed mother and no father. Their lives were marked by frequent moves and evictions due to Grandma's unpredictability. Each paycheck felt like a small celebration, but joy quickly faded as Grandma spent it on little luxuries, leaving them with empty cupboards by the end of the week. For my mom, this cycle of fleeting happiness and deep disappointment shaped her understanding of scarcity and want.

My beloved dad dedicated himself to bringing joy to my mom, succeeding in many ways. Yet, beneath her smiles, shadows of childhood worries lingered. It’s not surprising that I inherited a tendency to worry and feel anxious about everything. I once found myself caught in the relentless grip of compulsive worry, where my mind danced frantically between endless scenarios and uncertainties. Each thought spiraled out of control, filling my days with an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety.

So, NOW, when I say I no longer worry or get upset, it may seem disingenuous. I’m a fellow struggler, too! It may even lead to some eye rolls, 👀, and I get it.  We've been led to believe that worrying is just part of who we are. We can't possibly stop. While everyone worries, to some degree, scripture encourages us to trust God and not to be anxious. 

Who honestly likes to worry and fret and be anxious over everything? 

The remedy is beautifully simple: 

Trust in and wholeheartedly obey God. He yearns for our love and unwavering devotion—not just on Sundays, but every day of the week and in every moment we breathe. God desires a deep, personal relationship with each of us. He longs to know us intimately, so that in our hearts, we become so attuned to His presence that when we are faced with challenges or temptations that do not align with His will, we instinctively recognize them as unpleasing to Him. No more compromising. 

I was hopeless, and I knew I couldn't do this on my own. The closer I get to Jesus, the more I can be the person He wants me to be. 

No doubt about it - Compulsive worrying and anxiety can be tough, but understanding our identity in Christ and relying on His promises can offer peace. 

1. Acknowledge God's Sovereignty and Care: Remember that God is in control and cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast our anxieties on Him. Trusting in His sovereignty helps relieve the burden of trying to control everything.
2. Embrace the Peace of Christ: Jesus provides a peace that surpasses understanding. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to avoid anxiety by presenting our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds.
3. Renew Your Mind: Focus on the truth of God's Word to combat anxiety. Romans 12:2 speaks of renewing the mind by setting thoughts on things above, embracing your identity in Christ (Colossians 3:2).
4. Rely on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is your comforter and guide, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Rely on the Spirit to cultivate peace and self-control, aiding you in managing anxiety.
5. Live in the Present: Jesus reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, as each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Focus on the present and trust God with the future.

Most sincerely, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each and every one of you who are often burdened by worry or anxiety about the complexities of life, the state of our nation, our children/grandchildren,  the uncertainty of our future, the inevitable process of aging, and the challenges surrounding our finances. May you find God's perfect peace and solace in the midst of these concerns!

In Christ,

Debby