Let’s have an honest conversation.

My husband lost his job last year and at one point we thought we’d lose our house. Some close relatives have experienced significant health issues. I didn’t receive the promotion that I thought was guaranteed. I had a disagreement with a friend that has broken our relationship. My new insurance company doesn’t want to cover the new, expensive medication that has changed my life. And, as a mom and grandma, I yearn to see my children escape the pain of life. But that’s impossible.

Yes, I’ve had increased anxiety lately. I’ve been worried. Tears have come more easily to me. BUT, I know I can walk through these challenging emotions until a brighter day dawns. Here are some additional insights to the tips I share in this week’s podcast.

THE ACTS PRAYER MODEL

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• A = Adoration. Keep God first above all else by acknowledging who he is and what he has done.
  
• C = Confession. Clear your conscience by admitting your sin, turning away from them, and receiving the forgiveness of the Lord.
  
• T = Thanksgiving. Respond to God’s goodness by thanking him for the blessings in your life.
  
• S = Supplication. Ask God to continue meeting your needs by naming specific requests and praying for others.
  

Scriptures for encouragement and peace

Isaiah 41:10 – Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Matthew 11:28-30 – Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Philippians 4:6-7 – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 55:22 – Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Psalm 94:18-19 – I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O LORD, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

 2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Psalm 23:1–4 – The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Proverbs 12:25 – Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

Matthew 5:4 – God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Joshua 1:9 – This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Deuteronomy 31:8 – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

John 16:33 – Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 14:27 (NIV) – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) – Trust in the LORD with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Philippians 4:13 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Psalm 121:1-2 – I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

Psalm 62:1-2 – I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE MENTAL HEALTH AND FAITH: A CLOSER LOOK PODCAST.
Join the conversation!

Caroline S. Cooper (Owner of In God’s Corner Ministry) is a writer, speaker, and podcast/YouTube host whose mission is to offer encouragement for life in a complicated world. Please email your comments, questions, or suggestions to caroline@ingodscorner.org.

Need help?
Crisis Lines

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• Nationwide (USA) Suicide Prevention and Crisis Lifeline: Call Or Text:  988
  
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: (800)-662-HELP [4357]
  
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453
  
• National Child Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
  
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
  
• National Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255 or Text to 838255
  
• National LGBT Help Line: 888-843-4564
  

a more complete list of mental health resources can be found on Caroline’s website:  ingodscorner.org
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