June Hunt - Anxiety: Calming the Fearful Heart

Anxiety: Calming the Fearful Heart
2021 Hope For The Heart

Published by Aspire Press
An imprint of Hendrickson Publishing Group
Rose Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 3473
Peabody, Massachusetts 01961-3473 USA
www.HendricksonPublishingGroup.com

ISBN 9781628629859

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The views and opinions expressed in this book are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily express the views of Rose Publishing, LLC, nor is this book intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment or professional counseling. The information in this resource is intended as guidelines for healthy living. Please consult qualified medical, legal, pastoral, and psychological professionals regarding individual concerns.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked ( nkjv ) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( nlt ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( esv ) are taken from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( cev ) are from the Contemporary English Version Copyright 1991, 1992, 1995 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission. Scripture quotations marked ( nasb ) taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked ( msg ) are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries.

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Dear friend,

How well I remember helping my friend Elizabeth in her struggle with fear and anxiety.

Several years ago, we were working on an article together for the ministry. As we discussed the topic of fear related to the piece, she revealed that she was mortally afraid of the dark.

Oh, Elizabeth, how difficult that must be, I replied. I felt honored to be trusted with something so personal. I told her Id like to know more if she was willing to share. After working closely together for years, we trusted each other and she agreed to discuss this issue.

First I asked, When is the first time you can recall being afraid in the dark? What were the circumstances?

I dont know. Nothing comes to Wait! she said. Suddenly, a long-submerged memory materialized in that moment and she began telling me about an event that happened to her when she was just seven years old. Her three older siblings took some thread and suspended her doll in the middle of a dark bedroom. Then they flicked the light on and off like a strobe light to make it look like Thumbelina was floating in mid-air. Shes been captured by evil fairies and youre the only one who can save her, they announced. She lunged toward the dolland off went the lights. Ensnared in a tangled web of thread, she cried for help but was ignored. She felt trapped and terrified.

Realize, the past affects our present a great deal. I can think of numerous cases in my own life and in the lives of others where painful memories, past abuse, or traumatic experiences have led to fear and anxiety in the present. Understandably, these are multifaceted, complex emotions and experiencesbut for Elizabeth, I could see the connection between this memory and her present fear and anxiety about being in dark places.

Thankfully, no matter what has happened in our past, the Lord can help us in the present and give us hope for the future.

After listening to Elizabeth, I tried to help her apply Gods Word to her situation. I shared Psalm 56:3, which says, Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You ( nkjv ).

I said, Notice this verse doesnt say, if, but when I am afraid. At times, both you and I will have fear and anxiety. Its undeniable. However, we dont have to be consumed by them.

Then, I suggested an exercise for her: Every time you enter a dark room and feel anxious, say Psalm 56:3 out loud . Think about each word as you say it. Say it over and over, as many times as you need, until you feel your peace returning. I want you to speak Gods Word over your fear and anxiety.

Elizabeth tried this exercise for about ten daysand was amazed at the results. She said, I cant even say for sure when it began to happenor howbut, little by little, my fear of the dark is fading away. Ive been saying Psalm 56:3 every time fear and anxiety begin welling up inside me. At first, I felt a little silly, talking aloud alone in my apartment. But, honestly, its amazing how saying that one simple scripture has had such an impact. The fear is losing its grip!

What a blessing to see Gods Word at work! Even for a complex issue like anxiety which can affect many dimensions in our livesour emotions, our bodies, our relationships, and of course, our mindsthe Lord can speak into it. Thats why I meet fearful, anxious thoughts with the truth of Gods Word. Ive learned this valuable lesson:

Focus on your fear,
and your panic will increase.
Focus on your Shepherd,
and your heart will be at peace.

The Lord wants to give you His peace when youre feeling anxious. I pray that as you seek Him when facing any situation that causes you fear, worry, or anxiety, you will experience His peacea peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7 esv ).

Hold on to the Lords promise: You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! (Isaiah 26:3 nlt ).

Yours in the Lords hope,

June Hunt