The
Anxiety and Depression Association of America reports that, “Anxiety disorders
are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in
the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. (Source: National
Institute of Mental Health).” As someone who has suffered from these illnesses,
and has fought very hard to overcome them, I have found that they are quite related
to living in the past or the future, instead of living in the now.
When we
were children, very little stressed us because we knew there was someone there
to take care of us and our daily needs. We had no concern about whether or not
bills will be paid, if we were safe, nor if we would get a job. This is why I
believe Matthew 18:3 tells us to become like children, although this is not the
easiet thing to do. As responsible adults, we are called to be good stewards
over the things we are blessed with, so we work hard to see that our needs, and
our families’ needs, are met. Yet we continue to stress over the things we don’t
have or are unable to do, and this comes from not living in the now.
Stress
affects every part of our body. (Take a moment to read this article that
substantiates this fact.) Ironically, when we are ill it oftentimes creates
stress as well, which exacerbates the illness.
When
feeling stressed, this is the most important time to rely on your faith. The unknown
is the most difficult part of life, but we serve a God that has offered so many
promises to us if we would just trust and believe Him. In order to fully do
that, we must learn to live in the present moment. No, you cannot forget the
due date on a bill nor the disappointing prognosis the doctor may have given
you or someone close to you. But consider this: What can you do about it in
this very moment?
I’ve
shared before that I was healed of diabetes. I wasn’t pre-diabetic. I had
full-blown diabetes. When I was diagnosed, my blood sugar was in the mid-500s
when normal blood sugar is 80-100. I had difficulty healing when I had wounds,
blurred vision that lasted for days, and could drink a gallon of milk a day
from being so thirsty from this illness. Instead of stressing about the
illness, I did what I could do in each moment: believe in God’s healing,
exercise, and eat healthy. In less than a year, I no longer had any evidence of
diabetes.
Any
situation can be relieved of stress if we were to consider only the moment. I
have truly put this notion into practice, not only to alleviate stress, but
also to enjoy every moment of this lifetime. I have a two-year-old son, and it
seems like he is growing up right before my very eyes. There are times that I don’t
particularly feel like wrestling on the floor or playing with blocks and
trucks. However, I have come to understand that I will never get these moments
back, so I sit on the floor and have lots of fun watching his young
interpretation of play. It makes me feel young again!
As an entrepreneur, there truly are
no guarantees of when there will be a steady flow of income, so I have had to
learn to have faith and to live in the moment. I ask myself daily, “what can
you do today that will advance your business?” Whatever God imparts into my
heart, I do. After that, I trust that my work will create income, and God will
take care of the rest. Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they
do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” We are much more valuable!
This is not the easiest concept to receive (understand) nor to put into practice. We have been conditioned to consider our future without being taught that what we do now is a direct reflection of our present. There have been many nights I would lie in bed thinking about the next day, or something even further away. I would wake up the next day unrested, irritable, and frustrated. Take a moment to think about what you are thinking about. Is this thought causing you to feel tense in your stomach, shoulders, or back? Does the thought cause you to have negative feelings? If so, let it go. Replace it with something that makes you happy. If you must think of the past, think of a vacation, party, or any moment that made you smile. I assure you, that thing you are so stressed out about will be there, and will also be met with a resolution.
This is not the easiest concept to receive (understand) nor to put into practice. We have been conditioned to consider our future without being taught that what we do now is a direct reflection of our present. There have been many nights I would lie in bed thinking about the next day, or something even further away. I would wake up the next day unrested, irritable, and frustrated. Take a moment to think about what you are thinking about. Is this thought causing you to feel tense in your stomach, shoulders, or back? Does the thought cause you to have negative feelings? If so, let it go. Replace it with something that makes you happy. If you must think of the past, think of a vacation, party, or any moment that made you smile. I assure you, that thing you are so stressed out about will be there, and will also be met with a resolution.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever
is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”
(Philippians 4:8).
I encourage you who experience
stress, anxiety, and depression to begin to live in the now. I understand that
there are times when things around you seem hopeless and there is no obvious
way of it getting any better. But that’s your limited view. God’s view is
limitless! What can you do right now that will help alleviate your concern for
the future? Whatever it is, do it. When there’s nothing left to do, just live.
Enjoy your family. Take in some outside air. Read a book. Give each moment your
full, undivided attention. Not only will you begin to feel less stressed, but
you will gain a new view of the world around you. The best perk is, you will be
able to witness God’s unchanging love for you as He fulfills His promises and
supplies your every need. A by-product of living in the now is that your body will begin to heal and you will feel healthier. Consider letting go of whatever is stressing you right now and live in the moment. Besides, tomorrow is not promised, so why not enjoy what you have right now?
Peace and blessings!
If you feel you need a life coach to help you strengthen your faith, please contact Mrs. Barksdale at any of the links below.
Sources:
Your blogger:
Sheronda L. Barksdale
Sheronda L. Barksdale is an author, speaker, life empowerment coach, and entrepreneur. Her motto for life and business is, "Empowering your vision to your path". She believes that through faith, anyone can see their vision for their life manifested. You can also read her blog, Sharing Your Faith....Frfr.
If you have any comments, questions, or prayer requests, please contact Sheronda at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com. Also,you can go to her website SherondaLBarksdale.com. Follow her on Facebook at Sheronda L. Barksdale, Entrepreneur and Life Empowerment Coach, Instagram at: sheronda_l_barksdale, and Twitter at: @SherondaGB.
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