Coping With Anxiety Or Depression

 

When we first come into recovery we often have feelings of anxiety or depression.  In the past, to find relief from the distress we were feeling, we medicated ourselves with a substance or perhaps got involved in an unhealthy relationship.  Now in recovery, we have given our will and our life over to the care of God and are coming to believe that there might be hope for a better life.  However, the physical change we projected may not be in keeping with our expectations.  We may feel oppressed by something that we cannot explain but know it causes our minds to be darkened by its presence.  If we share with those who have gone through the recovery process, we will find that we are not alone in having experienced this darkness of soul.  We need to seek God’s comfort in this situation and stand strong in the truth that Jesus has all power over heaven and earth and has rescued us from the dominion of darkness. 

Because we are struggling, we may conclude that God is no longer with us, or that He does not exist, and we are therefore facing this overpowering darkness alone.   This is what the evil one would have us believe.  The Bible tells us that when we are children of God we cannot be outside of His presence.  God is in the highest heavens and also in the lowest hell.  Even though our feelings may go up and down, there is nothing that can hide us from God’s presence. 

Jesus is with us through the darkest valley of anxiety and depression and when we get to the other side, we will give thanks that He was truly with us all the way.

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, Thank You for being with me when tension and unease cause me anxiety.  I am forever grateful that You are always with me and increase my strength to stand on the truth of Your word and be an overcomer.   Amen

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