Just when we think we have conquered most of the fear and anxiety of living with daily illness, it can start all over again.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
I met with a specialist who strongly believes that a new medical treatment is the best way for me to proceed to keep my body strong. He was caring and informative. The final decision is mine. He mentioned potential side effects but felt that they are remote for me. I came away from the appointment thankful for his care, but overwhelmed mentally and emotionally with one more thing. You all know that feeling. . . more fear and anxiety.
I agree that this doctor is right. I know that God has created wonderful means in the medical field, including medications, that help me. What had my mind in turmoil was past experiences with harsh side effects when trying a new medication or treatment.
In retrospect, it is interesting that in filling out forms for this new doctor, I found myself digging into my journal entries of nearly 25 years ago. I needed the name of a drug that had been part of my chemotherapy protocol at that time. In reading through the months of that journey, I was again grateful for the faithfulness God showed me and how He guided me through that unknown experience–unknown at that time of the writings in my journal.
This new unknown does not hold the seriousness of cancer, yet how good of God to take me back, literally, to my own written words during the months He carried me through a very deep journey with Him–one in which His faithfulness was so evident.
Has that taken away my fear and anxiety now? Not completely. I am processing feelings , but I am certain of what I know. This new treatment is needed. I know I can trust God who will guide me and help me be at peace as I seek Him. I will take the time to let Him come in his personal ways. I know He will. He has before and I am ready as He comes to help me now.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for peacefulness only You can bring when my mind stirs with fear and anxiety. In my restlessness I turn to You, knowing that You understand and together we will work out Your best. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 30 years of living with daily physical challenges. Visit Lynn’s blog and sign up to receive new postings in your email box! http://lynn-severance.blogspot.com
When did fear and anxiety about your chronic challenge last flare up to bring chaos to your soul? How did God help you come to a place of peace in Him?
Oh, so feeling for you Lynn! Yes, that anxiety mixed with frustration & guilt & sooooo much more!!! Praying for you precious sister! Praying that “side effects” will be ONLY POSITIVE! I know that’s not what it normally means, but praying that the Lord changes the definition this time!
I’ve been in that place today! Soooooo anxious as 3 health products have run out at once ……2 of which keep anxiety & body feeling calmer! They haven’t arrived in the post & with soooo many illnesses happening around me, not just my own, it becomes overwhelming!
Despite all, I have moved from anger, tears, frustration & anxiety to relative calm & even some laughs. That only happened because, as you put it, I decided “I will take the time to let Him come in his personal ways.” Praise God for His ways of coming to calm, comfort & restore us. PHEW!!! Lotsoluv Kerryn
Right NOW…anxiety is flaring up. 😮 I know you all can relate to the way it seems that SEVERAL things hit at once, and it does feel so overwhelming and scary! I have to work at trying to keep mindful of having uplifting music going if I can as I work through the day, or if I’m able to be playing messages from ministers who speak Life through the Word of God. In addition to health concerns, there are home matters (as all of us have) plus our son is in the military and will be going for a very brief humanitarian trip overseas. (We’ve been through this before, but my heart goes through that walk of trust every time. I know he will be fine because he is in the center of God’s will. I just have to put my big-girl pants on, and let God grow my faith more!) I just find that even when God doesn’t change the situations necessarily, for me He somehow grants miraculous peace when I keep open to hear from Him through His word, either in music or message in addition to morning Bible study. I know you all can relate to this but I can’t do it on my own. I like to call the peace that passes understanding “the peace that doesn’t make sense” (from an earthly perspective anyway.) 🙂 I haven’t “arrived” in this area, it’s an ongoing journey.
I pray for God to meet the needs of your situations at this time! May God give guidance and wisdom in these processes on our ends as well as the part of the medical teams that may be involved. May He grant His provision in His perfect timing on the needs to be met with medications/products, anything that’s needed. Most of all, may God’s peace that passes understanding rule supreme. Gentle hugs and God’s provision of all you need…<3 BeBe
Kerryn – praying for you, too. One of the ways the Lord has caught my attention – tried to catch my attention and mostly succeeds – is to look at this new medication treatment as His means to bring help. I know He wants all of us to know that He loves us and is “for us” – but I surely do get tripped up too often immediately going to the negative. I hate it – but that happens. More surrender to what is unknown – but known to Him.
I’d be in panic mode, too, with any chance of a needed med not being right at the ready. I only have one that would put me into that place and abrupt withdrawal from it is potentialy life threatening. I pray your meds arrive in the next post and God will oversee your feelings and pain as you wait.
It sounds like He has from what you write – took you to that place with HIm. Bless you!
Love,
Lynn
BeBe – thanks for sharing. I see a theme here that “helps” as it is a known response that we each go through as life hands us either more challenges in the health realm or in our family/friend relationships or concerns for what others are facing.
Life is so multi-layered and so are we.
Like you, I try to keep my balm of music going or reading some devotional books that have the “right words” to keep me focused. God has a way of bringing the right words via these means or through His Word but we need to be intentional to seek it out or be open to recognizing it when it appears without our seeking.
“Putting on my big girl pants” – what a great expression! Praying for your peace as your son goes overseas. As much as we trust God – there is a mother’s heart that always wants her children to be safe and secure. Then again, God wants all of us – His children to trust Him to be our safety and security. Easy to say – hard to do – thus the peace that passes understanding.
Thanks for your prayers for me in the areas of my need. I do appreciate them and need them!
Love,
Lynn
I suffer from anxiety,and i am on meds also,I told GOD that i do not want to be on these meds.
but i will take them until GOD heals my mind
I was just diagnoise with asthma,it is a terrible disease,and i have a heart problem,and i know that it
is GOD that has kept me,please pray for me.
Lucia – bless you!
I thank God that he gave those who can create mediations the talents to do that so we can be helped in that way. It may not be total healing but it helps us to function when we can be on meds ( even with side effects).
I think that asthma would bring on anxiety – so scary to not be able to get one’s breath or to be labored in breathhing.
May God continue to hold you close and, for sure, I am praying for you.
Love,
Lynn
Lucia, my heart goes out to you having son’s that have/are experiencing what you are!!
Amen to Lynn’s comments for you. Having a son on anxiety medication I praise God for His help in creating meds that make a difference to his quality of life. Likewise having another son that suffered very severe asthma for years……it is scary to experience & to care for, so praise God for asthma meds too!!!
Absolutely, pray for healing…….we continue to do so, & in the interim we use what God has assisted others to create to help support our bodies.
Just to encourage you Lucia……our youngest son was miraculously & totally healed of extremely dangerous & serious asthma. A visiting Pastor asked us if he could pray for healing & release from asthma & from that day on he’s never had any asthma since!! Praise God for that Pastor’s faithfulness in following the Lord’s prompts! Middle son & I still not healed, but our ways are not His ways & we continue to pray for healing. In the meantime, we look at how we can witness amongst our illnesses.
I pray that you have other Christians around you to support you & that RM provides support, prayer & friendships to encourage you in this journey. I just lifted you to the Lord now, Lucia. Lotsoluv Kerryn