September was very challenging for me to say the least. I had month-long issues at home and at work. Please read Part 1 of this article to get some details. September is finally over, and I’m exhausted entering October.
September was so hard that thoughts of quitting my ministry entered my mind. October just started and is showing hope.
Because of this experience, I want us to talk about seasons.
Seasons
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
New International Version (NIV)
3
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
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a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
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a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
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a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
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a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
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a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
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a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
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a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
We must understand that everyone will go through seasons.
We could go through seasons of joy where you could quickly be thankful for people, circumstances and opportunities that come into your life.
We could also undergo seasons of struggle when waking up in the morning is terrifying.
Life is great when we go through favourable seasons, but seasons of despair could be overwhelming.
The pain and the pressure can be too much that people go through a mental and emotional breakdown. Others even resort to taking their own lives.
My Ask
I encourage everyone to prepare for seasons. Rejoice in the seasons of plenty and get ready for seasons of hardship mentally and emotionally.
How do we set a healthy mindset during hardship?
Philippians 4:6-7
New International Version (NIV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Here are some ways to prepare our hearts and minds for hard seasons based on the verses above:
1. Acknowledge that anxiety exists.
Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi because they were anxious.
It happens, and it’s okay. Everyone goes through it and if you are going through anxiety, remember that you have nothing to be ashamed of.
It happened before, it’s happening now, and I believe it will continue in the future.
2. This is beyond me.
Paul is asking us not to be anxious all the time, which is impossible. At least on our own. We can seek the supernatural empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit to overcome this.
If it gets too hard, it doesn't mean that you must do it alone, you can get help from family and close friends. Seek professional advice as well. God created psychology and raised psychologists for a reason.
3. Don’t hide it.
Don’t deny it and don’t deal with it on your own. Tell someone that you’re going through anxiety so you could have someone watching out for you.
Research says that anxiety worsens if you stay away from people or refuse positive social interaction. Share it and don’t hide it.
4. It’s temporary.
Anxiety is typically illogical, and that’s why it is deadly. We couldn’t work out why we’re anxious because it seems petty when looking at it from a different perspective.
The good thing about it is that it is temporary. If you don’t quit. If you hold on, you will see it come to pass. Gather your strength and be ready for the long haul.
5. Pray.
Whenever, wherever, when you feel an anxiety attack, pray. You don’t have to be weird. Pause, take a deep breath and pray. Lay all your worries on Jesus and let His peace overcome you.
I have suffered from depression. I still encounter anxiety attacks. However, I tell you we can overcome this through the empowerment of Jesus. Hang in there.
If you want someone to talk to, send me a message. You can chat me through my website or my social media platforms. God bless you!
Thank you for reading this devotional story, and I pray that it encouraged and empowered you in your walk with Christ. Please read other devotional stories on the website. You might find A Mental Health Discussion, Burn Out, and Change Your Mind fascinating.
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