Tag Archives: Anxiety

Diaphragmatic Breathing: Relaxation Technique

7 June 2013

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One of the greatest gifts we have is our breath. Yet, we neglect to cultivate it and miss out on the benefits. Below is a simple, yet effective, breathing exercise to help you improve your well-being. More to come on this topic, but for now, let’s start with the basics.

Watch the video here:

For worksheet, click here: (Diaphragmatic Breathing-Relaxation Exercise)

Rest in His Word: Acts 17:25

“And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • What has been holding you back from taking care of yourself? Check for underlying beliefs like – I am not worthy, I don’t deserve good things.
  • Brings these to the Lord and be mindful to discredit them with God’s truth (His Word).

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God Sees You

18 August 2012

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Because He is your creator, God sees you differently. Therefore, He knows everything about you. He knows every part of you.

Have you ever asked yourself if God truly listens to your prayers or if He’s interested in your day-to-day problems? I know I’ve struggled with these questions in my walk with the Lord to the point of being distracted from trusting God. The trials I’ve encountered have helped me realize that God wants the best for me. Have I always seen it? Unfortunately, the answer is no.

The truth is, He is interested in your life! Even when you can’t see God or feel Him, He sees you. What do I mean by that? In the movie Avatar, the statement “I see you” expresses a positive feeling when meeting someone. In addition, it means understanding or comprehending someone in a spiritual sense. You see, it’s not just the physical vision, but it goes deeper into the spiritual realm.

The problem is that sometimes we think God sees us the way we see ourselves: we either think too little or too much of ourselves. It’s a distorted and unrealistic way. Because He is your creator, God sees you differently. Therefore, He knows everything about you. He knows every part of you. He sees the real you – the good, the bad and the ugly. There is nothing we can hide from Him.  Hebrews 4:13, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

I find this truth comforting, don’t you? I don’t have to pretend to be something I’m not. I can just rest in His presence and allow Him to change those yucky things inside and replace them with His goodness. God says the following to you:

I see your pain…  When you hurt, I tend to your wounds.

  • Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted 
and binds up their wounds.

I see your depression…   When you lay in bed feeling lonely, I’m right next to you.

  • Deuteronomy 31:6 –Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

I see your hopelessness…  When you raise your hands in desperation, I’m holding them up.

  • Isaiah 40:29-31 – He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary,
 and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord
 will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I see your anxiety…  When your thoughts spiral down, I’m reminding you of My promises.

  • Isaiah 26:3-4 – You will keep in perfect peace 
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.Trust in the Lord forever, 
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

I see your fear…  When you are paralyzed, I’m protecting you.

  • Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

I see your addictions… When you are weak, I am strong for you.

  • 2 Samuel 22:29 – You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

Can you now see God? He sure sees you! My hope is that you begin trusting God during difficult times. You are never alone my friend. God knows you and understands your struggles. Accept yourself the way God sees you. Won’t you allow His word to penetrate your Heart and Mind? Allow Him to see you…

Rest in His Word: Mark 9:23

“Everything is possible for one who believes.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • What have I been trying to hide from God?
  • What behaviors have been serving as barriers in me trusting God or believing what He says about me?
  • Who’s lies have I been believing? Mine, family, others…
  • What are the areas I struggle and what promise (find a verse in your Bible) can I begin memorizing?

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Expand My Territory: A Lesson from the Fish Tank

3 May 2012

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When we allow God to use our territory for the benefit of another, He will surely expand it and bless us even more.

A couple weeks ago, I was feeling a bit insecure… As I sat in the waiting room of the spa, I was admiring a huge fish tank full of colorful fish. One of the staff members came to feed the fish and dropped food inside. The balls dropped all the way down to the sand. Immediately the big fish swam toward the food. I noticed a small fish that kept coming out from the protection of the ferns. It would peek its head out. When it felt safe, it would come out and take a bite. Suddenly the big fish would arrive again and the little fish would go back to its shelter. This went on for a while. Finally, the little fish was no longer afraid to eat side by side with the big fish. I was mesmerized by the behaviors exhibited in these fish. Now, don’t start thinking that I was psychoanalyzing the fish. Rather, the fish were giving me therapy.

God began to talk to me. No, not in an audible voice, but rather my thoughts took me to my feelings of insecurity; fear of the future, apprehensions about my capabilities, anxiety that somehow it would not be enough. I felt like that tiny fish – afraid to come out of its little cave due to the uncertainty that if I let another fish in my tank, I would fail at keeping my territory. Then, the first lesson came… I learned that although it may seem that the big fish were eating all the food, even the little fish were satisfied. God reassured me that there is plenty for everyone. You see, as the big fish took bites, bits and pieces of the food dispersed throughout the fish tank. The amount of food the little fish received was just enough for its size.

Then the second lesson came. The Lord allowed me to see (literally) how he was expanding my territory, but in order for this to happen I had to take the risk like that little fish. As the little fish began to take small risks, it practiced feeling uncomfortable around the bigger fish. Eventually, it was courageous enough to stay and eat with the big fish. I thought, “Although others may have big titles or may seem above us, we are all the same. What matters is how we live out our life for Christ.” When we allow God to use our territory for the benefit of another, He will surely expand it and bless us even more.

Today, if you are feeling like a little fish, I hope these thoughts bring hope into your heart. God is in control. He will surely supply all your needs according to His riches and glory (Philippians 4:19).

Rest in His Word: 1 Chronicles 4:10

“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • Write down the fears you may have and ask the Lord to replace them with His peace.
  • Are you feeling like a little fish today?
  • Why don’t you take small risks that will help you practice toward the bigger goal?

Never Alone

22 October 2011

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As darkness and fear creep into your mind and heart, know that you are NEVER alone. The Lord is your Shepherd; He is constantly watching over you.

In weakness and pain, we can sometimes feel that God has abandoned us. We believe we are left alone to defend ourselves from the monstrous events in our life. Then feeling defeated, we get deeper into our black hole… we’re resentful, angry and deeply wounded. Does this sound like you? Well, let me tell you what hope you have in Jesus.

As darkness and fear creep into your mind and heart, know that you are NEVER alone. The Lord is your Shepherd; He is constantly watching over you. He tends to your deep wounds and shines His light unto the murky path. If you are lacking trust and faith in Jesus, your Shepherd, I invite you to get to know Him. The following verses talk about His good intentions for you:

  • Our Shepherd – “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11) And – “The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.”  (Psalm 23)
  • Good Shepherd – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)
  • Great Shepherd – “Jesus is the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting covenant, signed with his blood.” (Hebrews 13:20)
  • Head Shepherd – “And when the head Shepherd comes, your reward will be a never-ending share in his glory and honor.” (1 Peter 5:4)

Jesus explains the difference between a good shepherd and a hired hand in John 10:12-14

12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will leave the sheep because they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he is merely hired and has no real concern for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, He willingly lays his life for them. The sheep are his and he loves them”

Jesus knows His sheep. He knows you by name. He knows your likes, your dislikes, your secrets and innermost fears. And regardless of all your imperfections, He gave His life for you!

There is no greater love for one over the other. He loves them ALL the same. He loves the older sheep as well as the younger sheep. It doesn’t matter how long you have walked with the Lord, you will always need His care. We all need to be ready to hear his voice and run to Him for safety.

The good shepherd cares deeply about His sheep. In Isaiah 40:11 it tells us He tends to them. When the Lord lovingly attempts to care for your wounds, do you resist? Sometimes we run away due to our own fears, not wanting to feel the pain, we run away from God. Instead, He tells us in Matthew 11: 28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Take a step toward him. You say, “Well I have no strength. My problems are so overwhelming and consuming that I have no more energy to walk.” I have good news. This is where the Lord carries you through your trials. Just let Him pick you up. Don’t resist.

Aren’t you glad He is your Shepherd? I am.

Rest in His Word: Psalm 23: 1

“You, LORD, are my shepherd. I will never be in need.”

Heart Checkup:

  • Has the Lord been your Shepherd or have you been led astray?
  • Ask God to show you the ways He has been your Shepherd.
  • Praise and give thanks to the Lord for always supplying your needs.

 

The Serving Cow

7 June 2011

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All of us are called for a purpose. Somewhere along the way, we lose touch of the love and passion we have of serving.

Are you finding yourself tired and weary? Has your complaining taken over your joyous song? Do you find yourself judging others for what they don’t do or how they do things? I myself, have been feeling frustrated about my leadership abilities for the past couple weeks. The Lord brought me back to a devotional I wrote last year, which reminded me that I need to re-focus on what’s important; my faithfulness to God alone.

Read: 1 Samuel 6:1-16

Here’s a little bit of history – Israel had been ruled by judges for over 200 years. Eli and Samuel are the last of the judges. This was a time when the Israelites were far from God; sin had entered their hearts. Even Eli’s two sons (Hophni and Phinehas), in line for the priesthood, were wicked in the eyes of the Lord.

In our text, the Philistines attack the Israelites, overthrow them with a terrible slaughter (killing over 30,000 men). They take the ark of the Lord and set it up in the temple of their god Dagon. They keep the ark of the Lord for 7 months until they were visited with God’s judgments (plagues), which forced them to send the ark back with a guilt offering. Although they acknowledged they had offended God, something in them still didn’t believe it was God who sent the plagues. Could it have been plain coincidence?

All of us are called for a purpose. Somewhere along the way, we can lose touch of the love and passion we have of serving. Next time you find yourself in that position, remember this story and ask the Lord to help you examine your heart.

There are four key points I would like to point out to you. My desire is that as you meditate on these points, you are redirected to your Source (God alone).

1.      Check the Condition of Your Heart

Sometimes, we can get to the point of becoming resentful and bitter to do the things of God. Yeah, we do them, but we do them half-hearted. We need a new heart to give our best to God.

I find it interesting that the Philistines used a new cart to send the ark of the Lord back to the Israelites. This should be an example to us that when we worship God – anything we do – we are to offer it solely to the service of God. Do it for His Glory. We are to give our very best to God, not what’s left over.

Many times, we put other things before God (family, our job, activities, etc.) and we find ourselves too tired to approach God. If we do, we are giving him our left over crumbs! Check the condition of your heart today. Ask God to reveal your true intentions of why you do what you do.

2.      Take Action

Now, notice that they send two cows that had just given birth to calves and had never been yoked to return the ark of the Lord. I don’t know much about cows, but I do know that their instinct is to stay with their calves and take care of them as a mother would. These were busy cows. I’m sure they preferred to stay with their calves to take care of them.

All of us lead busy lives, but these cows became available to do God’s work. Many of us have an array of excuses as to why we cannot serve in the ministry: I’m too far from church, my kids… my husband… I don’t have the time, etc… Okay, I’m going to say it straight up; we are all busy! You are not the exception. But is God too busy for you? Think about that next time you find yourself tired and your heart has grown cold for the things of God.

These cows were aware of what they were carrying – they didn’t take their job lightly. Are you available to carry His precious cargo? – The Good News (that Jesus, His only son, died for humanity’s sin). You see, God will use those who are willing to be used. Now, if God used these two cows to carry His most precious cargo (the ark of the Lord), how much more can he use us to show His love to those in need.

3.      Focus on God

We read that the cows indeed went straight to Beth Shemesh. They did not turn to the right or to the left! God supernaturally influenced or led the cows to their final destination. Although we have trials and troubles, we must keep our focus on God – not swerving to any side, but focusing our eyes on Jesus. God will give us the strength to continue onto the path that He has set before us. He will give us the vision of where we need to go.

You see, when our hearts are centered on God, it doesn’t matter what others say, what others do or don’t do because you know who you serve; God alone! It’s not about you my friend – it’s all about Him! So next time you feel frustrated, you may have to re-focus your heart toward Jesus.

4.      Praise Him All the Way!

It also says that the cows were lowing all the way. I don’t know if the cows were Protesting saying, “But God my children are left alone, I must be with them” or if the cows were Praising God along the way saying, “Thank you Lord for choosing me to carry the ark, what a privilege.”

I’m going to say that these cows praised all the way. The question for you is… Which type of cow are you? The type that Protests and complains to God because of all the things that need to get done – OR the one that Praises God for the opportunity given to serve Him. Choose to Praise God as you serve Him and he will manifest Himself in your life. Then, when you serve the Lord Faithfully, God’s power becomes visible to the world and His name will be glorified.

Let’s not be whiny cows. Instead, may we be:

  • Ready to Hear His Voice
  • Be Led by His Spirit
  • Proceed with all His Power

Rest in His Word: 1 Corinthians 4: 1-2

“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (NIV)

Heart Checkup:

  • How have I been unfaithful to God?
  • What can I do today to show God my faithfulness to Him?

The Tree of Life

3 May 2010

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Failures and difficulties will manifest in life; it’s our attitude that will determine the outcome.

Life can feel dry, unproductive and meaningless when the unexpected happens – when life hits and you are not ready. You weren’t ready to hear your husband was unfaithful. You weren’t ready to hear your wife has cancer. You weren’t ready to hear your child is using drugs. You just weren’t ready…

We can feel so far away from God. We feel far away, but God is always near. What if we turn our thoughts to him, instead of focusing on ourselves? What would happen? This can be scary. Somehow we believe that by thinking and worrying we are in control. But are we? Are you?

It is not an easy task to search God in the midst of the unexpected. The key is in delighting in God’s Word… meditating in it… savoring every word… keeping it captive in our hearts and minds! Psalm 1:2-3 says this: “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

Failures and difficulties will manifest in life; it’s our attitude that will determine the outcome. God knows what is best for you. He knows His word will nourish and satisfy your thirst. If you feel dry, won’t you ask God to rain on your heart?

Today, I encourage you to write your pain, your dryness, and your meaningless thoughts. Write the date – and be ready to be amazed at what the Lord will do. There is power in words… release them and give those worries to the Lord! Revisit these thoughts in the future – this will remind you of what the Lord has done in your life.

Following are my thoughts during a painful time in my life. Today, I can say that it pays to keep our focus on the Lord. Truly we are trees planted by streams of water!

The Tree of Life

As the rising Sun caresses your skin

And your beautiful feet firm on the ground

The air dances with your hair

And my nose receives the sweet aroma of your greatness

I observe as the ant supports itself with your life

Going up and down your belly so patiently

Trusting that God will supply it constantly

I’m inspired by your strength and courage

By not moving day or night

And at the same time I’m jealous for not producing life

As you do so graciously

Rest in His Word: Psalm 92: 1-5

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp. For you make me glad by your deeds, O LORD; I sing for joy at the works of your hands. How great are your works, O LORD, how profound your thoughts!”

Heart Checkup:

  • What thoughts are consuming my time and energy?
  • Why haven’t I given these worries to the Lord?
  • What worry thoughts can I give God today?