Anxiety is a feeling of unease or agitation that seems to penetrate profoundly almost everyone we know, including ourselves. Rarely are any of us immune to this feeling. At times, it is overwhelmingly disruptive. While I am certainly an advocate for the helpful, research-based mindfulness exercises we practice today, I also know that a more profound relationship is needed for healing to occur. Isolation and fantasy can be our enemy. Relationship and grounding can bring about a healing worth celebrating. Consider today’s podcast as a possible resource and encouragement for healing and cultivating a flourishing relationship that brings rest and peace.
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“Anxiety happens when you think you have to figure out everything all at once. Breathe. You’re strong. You got this. Take it day by day.”
~Karen Salmansohn
Show Notes~
1. God has the ultimate relationship with Himself– Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
God loves this unique and mysterious relationship so much with Himself that He wanted a relationship with you…forever. It was for such a time as this, that you were created, in this day and this time, with the very people around you. God promises to never leave your side, especially when hardships come which threaten to harm your relationships and mar the reflection of who’s you are and that which is God.
Col 2:9; 2 Cor 3:17; John 10:30; Esther 4:14; Ps 139:16; Eph 2:10; 2 Chron 16:9; 2 Cor 3:18; John 8:12
2. Find your grounding with God when hardships come: When hardships occur, it is a common tendency to ignore, deny, and/or pretend that “things really aren’t that bad”. If you do not find your grounding with God during such times, you may find yourself in a place of isolation outside of relationship with others or you may withdraw and find yourself living in a fantasy. There is no better way for Satan to defeat you than to harm your relationships.
Ps 46:1; Phil 4:12-13; I Pet 5:10; I Cor 7:5; I Thess 3:5; James 4:7
3. God redeems you: God is working things out to bring Himself glory, making our lives beautiful and restoring us into right relationships. He promises that this will all happen; if not now, then these things will be fully redeemed through Christ when He returns.
Titus 2:14; Gal 3:13; Is 61:1-11
4. You gain these things in your relationship with God:
- Salvation with Christ
- Your identity as God intended
- God’s ever presence
- Peace that passes understanding
- Fruit of the Spirit
- Grounding~ a firm foundation
- Your identity
- A reflection~ a lens in which to see yourself, others and how they reflect God’s image
- Personal growth~ next steps
- Freedom from condemnation
John 14:6; John 6:35; 2 Pet 3:9; Ps 139:7; Phil 4:7; Eph 2:10; 2 Tim 2:19; I Cor 3:11; Gal 5:22; Col 3:10; Gen 1:27; 2 Cor 3:18; 2 Tim 2:19; Phil 1:6; Prov 1:5; 2 Cor 3:18; Eph 4:13-16; Rom 8:1; I John 3:19-21
5. For a more authentic connection with God, pay attention to:
- That which is aching in your body/life.
- How God is providing.
- Your emotions/feelings
In Conclusion:
When you have an authentic relationship and connection with God, you will better understand authentic connection with yourself and others.