How do you respond to overwhelming emotions? Positive or negative self-talk?
Fearful thoughts escalated into a full-blown panic attack as I faced a crisis with my mother over a decade ago. As I waited for the doctors to diagnose her medical condition, I began to do some research of my own. And everywhere I turned, the facts were grim.
I knew my mother was facing a battle for her life. And my emotional red flags were rippling high overhead. I had many questions but very few answers.
But I remembered seemingly impossible situations where God had intervened. And I knew who I needed to turn to in a battle. I also knew my emotions and logic are always unreliable in a tough situation.
Jesus warned his disciples that there would be a day coming when they would endure difficult times. “In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world” (John 16:33 The Message).
What is Jesus saying here? I believe he’s reminding his disciples to turn to him when they find themselves in trouble. But how do we seek the Lord during difficult days? I believe the answer lies in prayer and meditating on God’s Word.
RedFlags
How do you respond to overwhelming emotions? What are you worried about today? Are you anxious about something beyond your control? How would you describe your emotional reactions when you are worried?
- Past. List some of your past worries. How did you deal with them?
- Present. List the issues that worry you today. Are you anxious, fearful, or in a panic about them now? How are you responding to them?
- Future. What fears do you have about the future? Are you worried about things that you have no control over right now?
GraceTalk
Which scriptures help you seek God in a crisis? Which verses help you manage your emotional reactions?
Reflection
Do you recall some of the struggles you’ve been through involving your faith?
This excerpt taken from my eBook, RESTNotes. Be sure to get your FREE copy today!
WordServe Water Cooler 
This is a very timely post as I am preparing for an upcoming conference. In the past, I have had huge struggles with fear before each conference. As a result, I have learned to recognize the red flags before they become overwhelming. When I see them, I remind myself to step back and turn my focus away from the fear and toward the One who controls it all and works everything out for the good of those who love Him.
Actually, learning to release our fears and trust in God is one of the primary themes of the novel I’m planning to pitch at the conference.
Some of my favorite verses to reread during times of worry are:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
– This verse reminds me that regardless of how I view the current troubles I am facing, God can work everything together for good.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1
– This verse reminds me that God created everything around me, including me, and if He can do all of that, surely He is more than capable of handling my worries.
“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” – Job 42:2
– This reassures me that I am not as powerful as my fears would have me believe and that no matter what I do, God is capable of seeing His plans through. When I am facing the fear of failure, this brings incredible comfort because 1 John 3:1 (among so many others) reminds me of His incredible love for me and those I love.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” – 1 John 3:1a
Great article, Karen. I cannot imagine any author who doesn’t deal with anxiety and negative self-talk on occasion, so this is relevant information.