Two Different Ways to Deal with Anxiety

#anxiety#peace#prayer#stress#help#pressure#stillness#soulssanctuary#comefindspacewithgod

How do you usually deal with stress and anxiety? Living in this world we will be sure to encounter it at some point or another. When researching anxiety today, I came across this AI explanation that can explain some of the pressures we face.

"Modern life exposes people to constant connectivity, social media, and information overload, which overstimulates the brain and keeps the nervous system in a heightened state of alert innerhearttherapy.org. Economic uncertainty, job instability, and societal expectations further exacerbate stress, contributing to widespread anxiety innerhearttherapy.org+1. Adolescents and young adults are particularly affected, with anxiety rates rising sharply in these groups sciencenewstoday.org+1."

In my Spiritual Direction practice for the past 10 years, I have noticed an increase in anxiety being shared through client's stories. I myself have also experienced heightened feelings of overwhelm in the culture around me that effects my inner peace and freedom. I have needed to adjust my own spiritual practices and rhythms in order to be a listening, peaceful presence for those I meet with. This isn't always easy and I don't always succeed, but I hope to slowly move forward with God's help and grace. Some of my spiritual rhythms have included incorporating space in my schedule for contemplative practices such as solitude and silence, prayer, sacred reading, exercise, and meeting with my own spiritual director to process my journey.

Recently I have co-authored a book called: "Come Find Space with God, Guidelines for Life through Spiritual Practices." This devotional book is about slowing down and reconnecting with God. We feel it will be an especially good resource for small groups and also young adults who find themselves dealing with the extra stress at this stage of life. In chapter 1 of the book, we introduce a psalm and poem about two ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. The psalm is probably a familiar one, but the re written psalm/poem is written by my co-author: Leoma Gilley.

SPIRITUAL REFLECTION

Here is a reflection for you to ponder: Breathe deeply and read through both the psalm and re-written psalm slowly several times. Notice any words or phrases the Holy Spirit is highlighting. Consider journaling and praying about what you notice. Feel free to share or comment.

Psalm 23

¹   The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

²   He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

³   He renews my strength. 

He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

⁴   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.

⁵ You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. 

You honor me by anointing my head with oil. 

My cup overflows with blessings.

⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 As We Often Live It

¹ The LORD is my backup plan for when I have an emergency.

² In the meantime, I race through life at breakneck speed, 

trying not to miss anything.

³ I get tired and depressed, but I keep going on my chosen way

in hopes of bringing honor to my name.

⁴ When I walk through dark valleys

I ask “Why me? I don’t deserve this!” When I’m afraid, I ask

“Why did you let me get to this point?

Why don’t you protect and comfort me?”

⁵                I feel fearful and helpless in the presence of my enemies.

“Why don’t they recognize my value and worth?

Why aren’t my successes satisfying?”

⁶                Surely goodness and reward will come to me

if I keep working hard enough.

And then I can rest on my accomplishments

for the rest of my days.

© Leoma Gilley 2024

💭 Reflection Questions

Reflect on which version of Psalm 23 best represents your thoughts and attitudes.

You can find: "Come Find Space with God, Guidelines for Life through Spiritual Practices" on Amazon. Each chapter has stories, reflections, scripture, music, spiritual practices and discussion questions.

If you are seeking a safe, sacred space to reflect and find guidance and discernment on your journey feel free to reach out for a complimentary 30-minute consultation: www.soulssanctuaryspiritualdirection.com