Life Issues
Obsessive thoughts are a struggle for so many. If left unchecked, however, these obsessive thoughts can play over and over in your head like a record that has a scratch. Your thoughts can change depending on the situation. But once they’ve entered your mind, you may not be able to get rid of them.
Some examples of obsessive thoughts are:
- Fear of getting sick or dying.
- Anxiety over cleanliness and organization.
- Worry over forgetting something (Did I lock the door?).
If you struggle with obsessive thoughts, you may also worry about the future. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus said, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Some things are out of your control. But in this passage, He encourages you to trust Him. In recovery, we learn what we have control over and how to surrender the things we don’t have control over. It is helpful to consider what is behind the obsession. (more…)
Life Issues
Life can zap us of strength!
We want to live full, energized lives. But we’re too tired, depressed, or anxious to do the work to change our lives. There is a simple step that can reinvigorate us—gratitude!
Solomon penned these words, “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength” (Proverbs 17:22).
The word “cheerful” means joyful or glad. When we engage our whole being in thanksgiving—body, mind, and soul—it is a medicine that heals us.
In other words, gratitude changes our lives. How? Gratitude helps us in three ways. (more…)
Addiction/Recovery
Many of you may be striving for freedom from depression, anxiety or addictive behaviors this holiday season. The “most wonderful time of year” can be one of the lowest times of the year if you’re already struggling and susceptible to the usual holiday triggers. You can be impacted in ways you don’t even realize.
Here’s a few suggestions to help you recognize those holiday triggers, avoid relapsing in your recovery, and in the midst of the sorrow and sadness that may fill your heart, (more…)
Faith/Spiritual
Does worry weigh you down? Maybe your mind races when you go in for your annual checkup, afraid you’ll be diagnosed with a terminal illness. Or you might lie awake at night wondering if your spouse is keeping something from you. Perhaps you worry that there will not be enough money at the end of the month. Can you relate?
If so, worry is holding you back. The good news is that it’s possible to overthrow the worry that weighs you down! There are many Scriptures that give us insight on how to handle our worry and anxiety. Reading these won’t make the feelings go away immediately, but when you can gain perspective and realize that God is there for you, it becomes easier to see your way out of worry and into peace. Here are 10 Scriptures that will help you overthrow worry: (more…)