Anxiety

Being 15 days into the new month, I have been experiencing anxiety because I didn’t have a topic in mind or any drive to write this month. The pressure of writing a blog in the midst of fear and worry because of my new class, grief hurting more than usual because of the holidays, and life taking swings at me as I come to understand that anxiety is a real thing. The recent generation after COVID-19 made the word “anxiety” something so easy to add into any type of fear or worry. Studies show as of 2011-2012, more than 1 in 20, or 2.6 million, U.S. children aged 6-17 years had current anxiety or depression that had previously been diagnosed by a healthcare provider. Source: www.cdc.gov. This statistic is real and honestly sad to realize that so many people are experiencing lack of hope. I am not writing this to say that we need to stop feeling things because we are human and that is impossible! As a graduate student for mental health counseling, I am very much aware that even Christians feel this way. Anxiety and depression are not things of the world but things of human beings. What is the purpose of this month’s blog? To just agree that mental sufferings are a thing, and we need to accept that? Well to answer that question in simple terms, no. The purpose of me writing in the mist of me personally feeling overwhelmed is because even in these times I feel encouraged. The Bible talks about the importance of casting all our worries and cares unto the Lord.

Matthew 6:31-33

Therefore, do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

A recent devotional I read by Alistair Begg titled “The Father’s Tender Care” really encouraged me to write a blog this month. It was a comforting reminder that we are not under the rule of man. One person, horoscope, or crystals do not hold any time stamp, rule, or feelings. It’s a scary thought to have so much hope within how the stars determine our personalities, or crystals to affect our moods. Many people now are still working hard to achieve a greater purpose or to feel good about themselves and constantly fail. Many people will argue and say we need to keep the commandments and work to achieve them. While I would say yes, this is true because it is a command of the Lord. I would also say we will never achieve all of the commandments by our own doing. But how can we be saved? Well, because of the work of Christ and His grace we are saved. A gracious God knew that we were a needy people for a savior to come down in the form of man to live a perfect life and to die in the cross for my sins into then rise up on the third day to then prove that the prophecies in the covenant were fulfilled.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

It’s a great treasure that we are able to cast all of our worries onto a God who did so much for us even when we were so undeserving of it. That’s how we are able to trust in Him. He is the ruler of the Heavens and the earth. He’s the alpha and the omega. The beginning and the end.

Revelation 22:13

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

If you are currently going through a session of anxiety and worrying, bring all these things unto the Lord. Even when we feel He is not there or even listening to us. Trust that His will shall be done! He’s a faithful Lord and will never cause harm to us. He’s our Father and will be our ultimate comfort.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved

See the article I referenced here: The Father’s Tender Care - Alistair Begg Devotional

By: Belinda (IG: @belindaaolmoo and TikTok: belindar.olmo)

Belinda is a contributing writer for Bible and Hot Cocoa blog. She is currently in graduate school for Clinical Mental Heath. Bel also has a bachelors degree in English, which is such a passion of hers. She loves to share her experiences and how God’s Grace has kept her in all of the good and the bad. Belinda wants to use social media platforms to share the Gospel and how Jesus truly saves. For more content feel free to check out her Instagram: belindaaolmoo, TikTok: belindar.olmo, and my new blog site: www.belindaspeaks.blogspot.com.