anxiety – Confident Counseling, LLC.

Christian Counseling-Confident Counseling Northborough MA 01532

Overcoming Anxiety

We live in a fallen world and we have a very real enemy, who is seeking to devour whom he can consume. That’s why the Bible instructs us to put on the full Armour of God. The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. One of the growing areas he seems to be working in is stealing people’s peace by way of anxiety. As followers of Christ we have the right to peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace in ALL circumstances. It’s ours and it can’t be taken from us. Period, end of story.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety: A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety is a growing epidemic among young people and older alike, although it should not be considered “normal.” Not normal in the sense that it was NOT created and designed by God and it’s not his heart for you to walk in sickness; but to be healed, healthy and whole. Anxiety is a very real and detrimental illness that can attack people because of the fall. If you are experiencing anxiety, know that God is with you, He is for you and His heart’s desire is for you to partner with Him through the work of the Holy Spirit and break those chains of bondage that are holding you captive.

What is the root?

Could it be our human desire to be in control of our lives? We play out scenarios in our heads in hopes that we may “feel” prepared for the worst or best situations, allowing us to feel in control. We worry about the outcomes and become anxious thinking about all of the different possibilities.Is this the life God designed and destined us to leave? I would argue not.

The Lord tells us not to worry, or be anxious about anything! Does that mean nothing will ever come against us and try to creep in? No! Thoughts, doubts, fears and worries alike will come against us. In our own strength we don’t have the power to fight. But in Jesus, we already have the Victory, because He has overcome the world! So, if we put all of our trust in Him, and actively cast our cares on Him, we can live the rest of our days anxiety free.

May the following verses provide you with the encouragement to overcome your worries: 1 Peter 5:8 , John 10:10, Ephesians 6:11-20, Philippians 4:7, Psalm 103:2-3, Philippians 4:6-7, John 16:33, 1 Peter 5:7

When All Hope Seems To Be Lost

Life is full of a lot of challenges. There are many negative darts that hit us as we journey in life. This is confirmed by Job’s word in Job 14:1, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” When all hope seems to be lost you must turn unto God.

Now let us consider the story of David in the Book of 1 Samuel 30:1-21. David and his men had gone to fight a battle against the Philistines. Three days later, David and his men arrived back in Ziklag – his hometown, we he and his family lived. The Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They tore Ziklag to pieces and then burned it down. They captured all the women, young and old. They didn’t kill anyone, but drove them like a herd of cattle. By the time David and his men entered the village, it had been burned to the ground, and their wives, sons and daughters all taken prisoners.

This situation was so bad that when David and his men saw all these catastrophes, they burst out in loud wails — wept and wept until they were exhausted with weeping. In fact, David’s two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail widow of Nabal of Carmel, had been taken prisoner along with the rest.

David knew that he was in a big mess – even worse trouble. There was talk among the men, bitter over the loss of their families such that they made attempt of stoning him. What more trouble could be greater than this? It was a disheartening circumstance in the life of David.

What is really taking your joy at the moment? What is that thing that is discouraging you? Is it in your family, health, marriage or career?

David ENCOURAGED himself in the Lord (1 Sam 30:6). He ordered Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech, to bring him the Ephod so that he can consult God. Abiathar brought it to David and then David prayed to God, “Shall I go after these raiders? Can I catch them?” The answer came, “Go after them! Yes, you’ll catch them! Yes, you’ll make the rescue!”

Then David went; him and the six hundred men with him. They arrived at the Brook Besor, where some of them dropped out. David and four hundred men kept up the pursuit, but two hundred of them were too fatigued to cross the Brook Besor, and stayed there. They met an Egyptian who gave them the clue to their search and the Bible recorded that David rescued everything the Amalekites had taken. He rescued his two wives! Nothing and no one was missing — young or old, son or daughter, plunder or whatever. David recovered the whole lot. He herded the sheep and cattle before them, and they all shouted, “David’s plunder!” Then David came to the two hundred who had been too tired to continue with him and had dropped out at the Brook Besor. They came out to welcome David and his band. As he came near he called out, “Success!”

At this juncture of your life, you can’t give up. You need to cry unto the Lord for help.You too will soon overcome your troubles. Cheer up! The Lord is with you. There is hope for you.

Rejoice in the Lord for as David overcame, you will also overcome.

Impostor Syndrome-Do you feel like a fraud?

It’s the first day of your new job and you’re excited yet nervous for all that lies ahead. Here you are. You worked hard, probably even over-prepared for this moment, yet you immediately worry that everyone will find out you really don’t belong here. Even though you didn’t lie on your resume, you feel you don’t deserve this. How can they possibly believe you do?

You feel like you fooled everyone into thinking you’re competent, like you “tricked” them. Does this sound familiar? During a moment of success have you doubted yourself or felt that it wasn’t a big deal? It is extremely frustrating to go through moments like this especially when you see others placing confidence in you while you feel like a “fake.” You’re always on the guard, worried that others will “find you out” and realize you’re not worthy.

This phenomenon, Impostor Syndrome is common in perfectionists and overachievers who aren’t able to internalize and accept their success. These people have unrealistically high standards for themselves that it is difficult to meet their own goals. Even when they do reach them, they are more prone to attribute their success to luck than their own skills. This type of intellectual self-doubt is often paired with anxiety and/or depression.

Many people who feel like impostors grew up in families that placed a big emphasis on achievement. Specifically, parents who send mixed messages by alternating between over-praise and criticism can increase the risk of fraudulent feelings developing. Living in a society that focuses on achievements adds to the problem. The result is confusion between approval, love, and worthiness. Self-worth becomes on achieving.

Those struggling with Impostor Syndrome may avoid applying for promotions, for more responsibility and suffer from higher stress. How can you break this pattern?

Challenge your thoughts

You will discover that at the root of your self-doubt is a negative core belief that you’re not good enough. Ask yourself, when will I ever be good enough? What does good enough mean? Challenge this negative thought by finding evidence in favor of it and against it. It helps to ask yourself would I think this of a love one if they were in my shoes? If the answer is no, then ask yourself why you think this way of yourself.

Accept imperfection

Recognize that nobody is perfect. Practice letting go of high standards by doing a “good enough” job and walking away. Make time to appreciate your hard work and create rewards for yourself for completed tasks.

Recognize your strengths

List out the skills you have and learn to accept that you are good at certain things which have value. Yes, there will always be someone better at something, however that doesn’t make your strengths any less important because they are unique to you.

Talk to others about this

Being open and sharing this struggle with those you trust is a way to create awareness for others. They may even help you recognize when you’re engaging thoughts of self-doubt that need challenging. If it is difficult to work on this on your own, consider contacting a counselor to learn skills and challenge negative thinking pattern together. If you struggle with anxiety and depression, a professional will teach you how to cope in a healthy and effective way.