Overcoming Intense Anxiety: My Personal Journey

Overcoming Intense Anxiety: My Personal Journey

Introduction

When I arrived at Southern Seminary’s campus in August 2013, I had already been living in China for eight years. I was leading a small missions organization there that I had helped start a couple of years earlier. While I had taken some classes online at Southern, I knew that I had to squeeze in as many classes as I could during our year living on-campus to get my MDiv. So, I studied day and night, seven days a week, stopping only to go to church and class. I continued this pattern for about three months when I hit a serious wall in the form of intense anxiety that lasted from late November to early February.

During that period, I hated being around people, dreaded going to church or class, or really doing anything at all. I'd feel great anxiety and fear in those situations. It was an incredibly dark and lonely time for me. Previously, I had imagined that our year living on the Southern campus would be a year of great encouragement and growth. I didn't expect to be battling anxiety and fear.

In this article, I will share my personal journey of overcoming intense anxiety. I hope that my experience can be a source of encouragement and hope for others who may be struggling with similar issues.

The Root of My Anxiety

Looking back, I realize that the root of my anxiety was a lack of trust in God. I was trying to do everything in my own strength, and I wasn't relying on God to help me. Instead of seeking God's guidance and strength, I was driven by my own desires and goals. I was so focused on achieving success in my studies and ministry that I lost sight of what was truly important.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." I wasn't trusting in the Lord with all my heart. I was leaning on my own understanding and my own abilities. I wasn't submitting to Him in all my ways. As a result, I was stumbling in the darkness, unable to find my way.

It wasn't until I hit rock bottom that I realized that I needed to turn to God for help. I couldn't do this on my own. I needed His strength, His guidance, and His grace to help me overcome my anxiety and fear.

The Road to Recovery

With the help of some wise counselors and mentors, I began to take steps to overcome my anxiety. I started by relinquishing control and trusting God with my life. I realized that I couldn't control everything, and that was okay. God was in control, and He had a plan for my life.

1 Peter 5:7 says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse became a lifeline for me. Whenever I felt anxious or overwhelmed, I turned to God and cast my anxiety on Him. I knew that He cared for me, and that He would help me through this difficult time.

I also started to take care of myself physically and emotionally. I made sure to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. I also sought out community and support from my friends and family. I realized that I didn't have to go through this alone. God had placed people in my life who could help me and support me.

One of the most important things I did was to spend time in the Word of God and in prayer. I started each day by reading the Bible and praying. I found that this helped me to focus on God and His truth rather than my own fears and anxieties. The Word of God became a source of comfort and strength for me.

The Lord's Restoration

Through this journey of overcoming anxiety, I experienced the Lord's restoration in my life. He restored my joy and my peace. He gave me a new perspective on life. I realized that success wasn't about achieving my own goals and desires, but about following God's plan for my life.

Isaiah 43:19 says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." God was doing a new thing in my life. He was making a way in the wilderness of my anxiety and fear. He was bringing streams of living water to my dry and parched soul.

Through this experience, I learned that God is faithful. He is always with us, even in our darkest moments. He will never leave us or forsake us. He is our rock, our refuge, and our strength.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with anxiety or fear, know that you are not alone. God is with you, and He will help you through this difficult time. Trust in Him with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. Submit to Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.

Remember that recovery from anxiety takes time and effort. It's not a quick fix, but a journey. Seek out wise counselors and mentors who can help you along the way. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Spend time in the Word of God and in prayer. And most importantly, trust in the Lord and cast your anxiety on Him.

Finally, I want to leave you with this verse from Psalm 34:4, "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." May you seek the Lord and find deliverance from your fears and anxieties.