Read my story and others’ over at Purposeful Faith.
It was Sunday morning, and already the anxiety was building. On the way home from church I tried to swallow the fear building up and focus on what I was going to do that afternoon. Lesson plans. Prepare for the week. Do everything I’d been putting off. Grade papers. Mentally berate myself for not having lessons done yet. First year teacher stuff.
Just like every Sunday before, I dove into my work and tried to ignore the tide of fear, but just like clockwork I was in tears by 7pm. Panicking. Fear taking over every part of me. Making me unable to work. Unable to think. Unable to function.
I tried to pray. I tried to breathe deeply. I called my boyfriend. I called my mom. Nothing helped. I was consumed.
Friends, have you been here? Is there something in your life that absolutely consumes you? Your thoughts? Your emotions? Your actions? Your very being?
What is it?
This fear that took hold of me was born of exhaustion, being overwhelmed, and being a first year teacher in a charter school in a very scary neighborhood. This fear went unrecognized at first…slowly creeping into my life. I didn’t have full blown panic attacks at first, but soon enough I was flat on my face terrified and unconsolable.
So what happened, you ask?
I lived this way for several months. I dreaded Sundays. I hated when my boyfriend (now hubby) had to leave to go home and would completely lose it if I was alone.
I was in a women’s Bible study at the time, and I finally shared my fear. I couldn’t define it. I couldn’t pinpoint what I was actually afraid of. But I finally worked up the courage to ask for prayer. For a couple of weeks I shared with them that it was still a real struggle.
Then one week, at the beginning of study my leader and friend said “That’s Enough! You do not have to live this way. You are a child of God and we are claiming your freedom in Him together.” She stopped the entire study and prayed over me right there. And every woman in the room prayed over me as well.
And friend? I was free.
John 8:36 – So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
I want you to know that wherever you are, whatever “it” is for you, that you are not alone. Say “this is enough.” You do not have to live this way. There is freedom in Jesus Christ and we need to claim it each and very moment of the day.
We are called to more than fear.
2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
When we have the Spirit of the Lord living in our hearts we are already free.
2 Corinthians 3:17 – “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
When we cry out, He does answer.
Psalm 118:5 – “In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.”
We don’t free ourselves.
Galatians 5:1 -It is for freedom that CHRIST has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
We need to stop fighting and be still.
I was so focused on trying to run away from my fear that I just made myself busier and busier. I was afraid to be still because I knew it would overwhelm me. So I tried to fight my own battle by doing everything but sit still and silent in the presence of God. But it wasn’t my battle to fight.
Exodus 14:14 – “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
We must claim our freedom daily.
Joshua was nervous to carry out all the big things God told him he was to do. God constantly reminded him that he had no reason to fear! There is no shame in going to God daily, moment by moment for reminders and encouragement.
Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
We are called to freedom for a purpose.
God has something already set in motion for you to do! Don’t let your past, fears, or mistakes hold you back in chains! Use your freedom to serve Him and to serve others.
Galatians 5:13-14 – You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
When we are covered in God’s love and spend our time sharing that love, there is no room for fear!
God’s love is perfect and it banishes darkness. When we focus on loving others, His light shines in and through us. God’s command to love others actually protects us from fear because it keeps us focused on what love and not fear!
1 John 4:18 – There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
In this moment, I stand with you.
Father,
This child of yours is in bondage. She is consumed. She is fearful and worried. Where there was light there is now darkness. Place a hedge of protection around her and keep the evil one from her. I renounce him in your name, Father! I pray that YOU would consume her. That your peace and calm would envelope her. That you would break the bonds and set her free! Shine your light into the dark places, and heal her wounds. Send her a friend to help her walk through this with. Give her the courage she needs to be honest. Thank you for loving her, Lord. Thank you for saving her, even if she isn’t sure who You are yet. Thank you for the freedom to live life to the fullest.
Amen
Don’t forget to check out more encouraging posts over at Purposeful Faith!
Doris Swift says
This is so encouraging Anna! So many of us have experienced this, and praise God, He is faithful to wash away our fears. I have many teacher friends too, and first year or tenth year, the stress can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we have our hope in Christ, and through Him we are set free. Have a beautiful week, and thank you for teaching!
Anna says
Thank you for the encouragement Doris! You have a blessed week!
Anna says
I am glad you found it encouraging! Thank you for the kind words – have a wonderful day!
Rosie Jensing says
Anna, I can relate so much to this post. I too have been in a place where fear has consumed me and my thoughts. It is a very scary place to be at because its all in our mind so no one can really relate or understand unless they have been there. The enemy seeks to paralyze us with fear but I am thankful for God’s promise that says whom the Son sets free is free indeed! That is where i stand today. Thanks for your post.
Anna says
It can be a very scary and dark place, but bringing our fears into His light shows the enemy for what he truly is – a liar! I too am thankful that God keeps his promise to set us free! I hope your week is blessed!
Susan B Mead says
Indeed! Whom the Son sets free is free… Thank you for walking your sisters thru to His freedom today Anna. Hugs. Susan
Anna says
Such an important truth! Thank you for your kind words, and I hope you have a great day!
Linda Perkins says
Oh, how I can relate to that feeling over overwhelming anxiety! I have been there many times. And when I don’t do the right thing – go to God and let Him give me the calm confidence I need – I will procrastinate and make things worse until I am a gigantic bundle of nerves. It’s take me a long time to learn to face my fears head-on, knowing God is with me and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Thanks for sharing your heart, Anna. It is a blessing to be guest blogging with you today on Purposeful Faith!
Anna says
I can completely relate to that! I know that I can do all things through Him, yet I still struggle with facing my fears head on! I am so grateful we serve a gracious God who just keeps pursuing us. The message in your post spoke to me as well – and was also the topic of the sermon at church yesterday! Funny how God works! 😀 I hope you have a great week!
Alyssa J Howard says
Oh my goodness! I so needed to hear this today! I’ve been in a similar place all week. Ever since school started in September (this is my first year homeschooling), I’ve been so overwhelmed by life. I was literally in tears last night. Thank you for the reminder to claim my freedom in Christ. Fear is never from God, and He longs to take my fear if I would just be still and let Him be God in my life. Thank you for sharing!
Anna says
I’m so glad that you were encouraged! I pray that you are able to take time each day to be still in Him. 🙂