Thursday, November 4, 2010

Parenting and Anxiety


Anxiety has been a companion of mine for many years. I find myself in an almost constant struggle to avoid the pit of depression and anxiety. I am ashamed to say that up until a few years ago I did not even recognize this as sin in my life. I gave myself a pass thinking it is just something I struggle with- hereditary in fact! With a background in psychology I was quick to diagnose myself and not acknowledge the root of my problem. I am not discounting all psychology-only saying that for me the root is deep and it is sin. The sin of not trusting God or believing Him to be who He says He is. Sin of doubting and questioning God's sovereignty. Sin of looking to myself instead of to the Lord.
Since becoming a mother almost 14 months ago I have found this struggle with anxiety has been taken to a whole new level. Most of my anxiety now centers on this little person that God has given us to raise. From fears of how we will teach her about the Lord to what I should feed her for dinner- it can get overwhelming! I was convicted this week by what these fears say about my heart. Am I trusting that God is good? That He loves my child? That He has purposes and plans for her? That He is in CONTROL? My anxiety and fears say that I do not. I am so thankful for the reminder this week that the solution to anxiety is prayer. So I am committing to do more praying and less worrying!
"He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. His heart is secure, he will have no fear;" Psalm 112:7&8

1 comment:

  1. Thank you for posting this Jen. I forget that I don't have a free pass to feel anxious or depressed b/c it's in my nature. It is rooted in sin. I needed that reminder.

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