Tag Archives: overcoming anxiety

Indecision verse Poor Decision Making

Posted on November 4, 2023 by expressyourself4him

King Solomon writes the book of Proverbs for one of his sons with a sense of urgency to make good decisions in life. Perhaps, Solomon wanted his children to avoid making some of the bad choices that he made when he was young. Meanwhile, as an adult, Solomon thought that 700 wives wasn’t enough, so he added an additional 300 concubines to his harem.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths, Proverbs 3:5-6.

The apostle Paul reminded the Church at Rome of a similar fate due to human nature, Romans 3:9-12. A warning to members of Galatia in Galatians 5:16-17 help explain what influences poor decision making. This internal tug of war can lead to indecision as a major deadline approaches. When you’re unsure of what to do, lean on the Lord for understanding.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Unfortunately, indecision often breeds anxiety. Whenever you weigh the pros and cons of any decision, you have to pull the trigger eventually. Yet, if you find yourself consumed by uncertainty, seek godly counsel to pull your mind in the right direction. Whatever you end up deciding, life is all about living and learning so that you can move on from past failures and mistakes.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Know Who Holds the Future

Posted on October 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

As a child, I was curious, eager to listen and learn from older children. When I first attended church, I remember sitting on a carpet with my friends as a priest gave a message, speaking on a child’s level. As a 8th grader, I completed the Confirmation process, a sign of taking ownership of my faith. Yet, it wasn’t until I joined a Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Bible Study as a 10th grader when I discovered that the God of the Bible holds my future.

We are assured and know that [[j]God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [k]aware and [l]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren, Romans 8:28-29.

Any child who experiences the ebbs and flows of puberty is forced to deal with so many things going on inside their body and mind. As a former counselor and teacher, this is when the Devil is most active, whispering thoughts of doubt and suicide, 1 Peter 5:8. One of Jesus’ former disciples compares the Devil to the animal on top of the food chain. Like a nature video, lions seek to separate the weak and young from the herd, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors [m]and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things [n]impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, 39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Romans 8:37-39.

Based upon today’s featured passage, perhaps the Church at Rome was struggling with doubt. Writing to those who are unsure of their future, the apostle Paul highlights the extent to which God will go when you feel alone and separate from God. Meanwhile, the disciple whom Jesus loved makes it clear that your eternal destination can be secured, 1 John 5:12-13. These are the passages in the Bible that give Christians the confidence to know God holds their future.

by Jay Mankus

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When You Can’t See Progress… Trust in God’s Presence

Posted on October 18, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If you are an emotional person like me, waiting to see progress in life can become frustrating. Whenever anxiety begins to overwhelm you, this is when you have to remember the words of the apostle Paul, “walk by faith, not by sight,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. What this is essentially suggesting is that when you can’t see progress, trust in signs of God’s presence, Romans 1:20.

Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and recognizing and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people. 14 And the Lord said, My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest, Exodus 33:13-14.

As a former teacher, I am always reminded of the power of history. The apostle Paul writes an entire chapter on the history of Israel for the Church at Corinth so that they could learn from the mistakes of the past, 1 Corinthians 10:1-7. Quoting the writings of George Santayana, ” those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it?” This is where faith and trusting in God comes into play.

Therefore my heart is glad and my glory [my inner self] rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety, 10 For You will not abandon me to Sheol (the place of the dead), neither will You suffer Your holy one [Holy One] to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore, Psalm 16:9-11.

The above passage is from David. As a humble shepherd, David never imagined that one day he would become king of Israel. David is a prime example that when you can’t see progress, trust in God’s presence. When I recently listened to the words of 1 Samuel 17:44-49, David rejected the requested armor and placed his sole trust in his God given ability to sling a rock. Therefore, the next time you sense your faith about to waver, trust in God’s presence and power, 2 Timothy 1:7.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 283: Sparrows

Posted on November 11, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Worry is one of the topics Jesus addressed in his Sermon on the Mount. Jesus points to the birds of the air who wait to see what food mothers will be able to bring back to their nest. If God prepares food for these small creatures, how much more will the Lord provide for human beings. This is the context and inspiration behind Cory Asbury’s new song Sparrows. This worship pastor at Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan is best known for songs “Let Me See Your Eyes” and “Reckless Love”.

Therefore I tell you, stop being [v]perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the [w]span of his life? – Matthew 6:25-27

Despite Jesus’ famous speech, millions of people wrestle with anxiety, concerns, and worry daily. Perhaps, the desire to be in control is what fuels anxiety and worry. When things are going well in life, anxiety and worry is low on my list. When situations and trials enter my life, it’s easy to allow worry to fester. May the lyrics of Sparrows by Cory Asbury speak to your heart and calm any concerns eating away at you.

by Jay Mankus

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The Casting Grounds

Posted on March 22, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While growing up in New Jersey, my father took the entire month of August off of work. Since my father was in sales, he discovered a cabin for rent on a Thompson Lake in Maine. This experience opened my eyes to dirt roads and weekly trips to the dump. My father loaded up the back of our station wagon with trash bags and the kids were responsible for throwing them out the back. Little did I know that visiting these casting grounds 45 years ago prepared me for unloading my own burdens to the Lord in prayer.

Casting the [c]whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, [d]once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you [e]watchfully, 1 Peter 5:7.

Whether you’re young, old, or somewhere in between, life is filled with daily anxieties, concerns, and stress. If you don’t have someone to talk to on a weekly basis, these burdens will accumulate quickly. As a child, my only worries were making new friends and praying that one of my stuttering fits didn’t occur at school. Unfortunately, the older you get, life seems to become more complicated with overwhelming stress that can suck the life out of your soul. This is the context in which Jesus is referring to in the passage below.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will [o]ease and relieve and [p]refresh [q]your souls.] 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest ([r]relief and ease and refreshment and [s]recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. 30 For My yoke is wholesome (useful, [t]good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne, Matthew 11:28-30.

One of roles of prayer is to provide a spiritual casting ground where troubled and worn-out Christians can unload their burdens. The key is you have to let go of each individual concern and let God cast it as far as the east is from the west, Psalm 103:10-12. Don’t take back these anxieties, concerns, and worries after you have said Amen. Rather, cast these burdens like I threw trash bags at the local dump in Maine. If you have to, use visualization to unload all of your troubles so that after praying you will find rest for your soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Whenever You Move… Don’t Trouble Your Mind with the Unknown

Posted on December 3, 2021 by expressyourself4him
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOl4hf-38yY

Moving is one of those events in life that provides a chance for a fresh start. Yet, when a move is beyond your control, saying goodbye to close friends and neighbors can be extremely difficult. I moved a few times as a child with the second from New Jersey to Delaware. While it was hard to leave my baseball friends, the neighborhood in Wilmington my parents moved into became like a second family to me.

[Urged on] by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and went forth to a place which he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went, although he did not know or trouble his mind about where he was to go, Hebrews 11:8.

While reading the Bible earlier in the week, I was reminded of Abram’s move from Haran. Genesis 12:1-3 details God’s conversation with Abram, similar to a calling from God or tugging on your heart that you might experience today. Abram was 75 years old when he left everything that he knew to start a new life with his nephew Lot. Faith enabled Abram to enter the unknown of a foreign land.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. 7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7.

Sometime in the summer of 2022 I’ll be moving to South Carolina. This will be my first move in nearly 25 years. Yet, if I listen to the advice found in the Bible, I shouldn’t trouble my mind about the unknown. Nor should I allow anxieties of making new friends concern me. The best thing I can do is lift up all my worries to God in prayer. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am seeking a peace that transcends all understanding as I wait for this day to come.

by Jay Mankus

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Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Posted on October 7, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Upon graduating from the University of Delaware, I accepted a position as a Summer Work Camp Coordinator. Since the pay wasn’t great, I took a part time job as a Youth Director to put gas in my car. For the first six months of my adult life, I slept on a couch in my sister’s basement. When my car broke down just before Christmas, I depleted all of my savings, without the funds for food or gas. This is my story of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks.

Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all, Matthew 6:31-32.

A prosperous future was certainty is doubt, but I knew that God had something better for me. As a desperate man, I found as many odd jobs that I could to survive. In my spare time, I practically lived at Cornerstone Church. I led an Accountability Group and Bible Study at night and painted whenever I wasn’t working. Despite the anxiety and panic living inside of me, serving God daily helped keep me in the present. In my poverty, I put my complete faith and trust in the Lord.

But seek ([z]aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness ([aa]His way of doing and being right), and then all these things [ab]taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33-34.

Jesus addresses anxiety and panic attacks in his Sermon on the Mount. Instead of directing his message toward human beings, Jesus uses the birds of the air as a way to illustrate how God provides for all creatures. Since God created human beings in His own image, how much more does and will God provide for you and me? Subsequently, when I was $400 short of being able to attend a Youth Ministry Trade School, my church took a love offering for me. I received the exact amount that I needed. In the years that have followed, I don’t always feel peace, but I know the Lord will provide daily bread to survive.

by Jay Mankus

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When the Zoo Invades Your Neighborhood

Posted on July 16, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, the Philadelphia Zoo became the United States’ first zoo. Construction was delayed by the American Civil War, pushing back the opening until July 1, 1874. Something about visiting a zoo is intriguing to children. My first exposure to animals began at the Edison Park petting zoo in New Jersey. From there, my parents took me to the Philadelphia Zoo as well as the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure. When you drive through in a car without any gates to contain the animals, close calls will big animals can be frightening.

Let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment, Romans 13:1.

Since the unnecessary death of George Floyd on May 25th, protests have taken place in all 50 states. In the wake of Floyd’s death, police killings of black Americans spawned organized protests that turned violent as police departments were targeted. When stand down orders were given by city, state, and local officials, riots and looting began. Instead of remaining within urban areas, Black Lives Matter moved to the suburbs, to white affluent neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, California. Famous stores in Santa Monica, California were broken into and looted, sending the message that no town is safe.

Therefore he who resists and sets himself up against the authorities resists what God has appointed and arranged [in divine order]. And those who resist will bring down judgment upon themselves [receiving the penalty due them], Romans 13:2.

As a teenager, James Clay lived in a trailer park in Missouri that everyone called Franklin Park. James recounts. “I felt like I loved the people there, but that love just didn’t seem to matter to them at all.” The inspiration behind his song Franklin Park, Clay realized that bringing them to the Lord was all he could do. Everything else was beyond his control. This song relates to modern day events as progressive ideas are encouraging individuals to challenge authority. When boundaries are challenged and crossed, it’s like having a zoo invade your neighborhood. After one of the most violent fourth of July weekends in recent history, it’s time to unite, not fight. May James Clay’s song urge communities to love and pray for their neighbors.

by Jay Mankus

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Overusing the Enjoyments of this Life

Posted on July 6, 2020 by expressyourself4him

The apostle Paul uses the Greek word koʹsmos in a letter to the church at Corinth. When translated into English, this refers to the figure and form of the world. Meanwhile, the book of Galatians goes into further details in what is described as desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:19-21. These natural tendencies begin with sexual immorality and end in full blown lust. Perhaps, this is what Paul means by overusing the enjoyments of this life.

And those who deal with this world [overusing the enjoyments of this life] as though they were not absorbed by it and as if they had no dealings with it. For the outward form of this world (the present world order) is passing away, 1 Corinthians 7:31.

At the beginning of 1 Corinthians 7, Paul mentions a letter sent to him by members of the church inquiring about marriage, relationships and remaining single. This entire chapter is devoted to educating Christians to a biblical world view on these topics as well as including Paul’s own opinion. As a man who felt called to remain single, Paul wasn’t distracted by the enjoyments of life which other men were tempted by and often indulged in.

My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord; 1 Corinthians 7:32.

In the passage above, Paul reveals the secret to his spiritual success, free from the anxiety and distress of relationships. Instead, Paul’s mind is able to clearly focus on the things of the Lord. Like anything in life, the less distracted you are, the easier it is to concentrate on fulfilling God’s will for your life. Colossians 3:1-4 provides advice for overusing temporary pleasures. When hearts are set on eternity, pleasing the Lord is made possible by purging and taking captive distracting thoughts from your mind, 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Drawn in Diverging Directions

Posted on June 30, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Diverging refers to following a different direction or path. Whenever you make a decision to diverge, you want to become different, going against the flow. In this Progressive Age, those who diverge should be celebrated for being interested in new ideas, findings and opportunities. Unfortunately, backlash from the Cancel Culture Movement is using political correctness, progressive ideology and social justice to shame individuals who deviate from the norm.

My desire is to have you free from all anxiety and distressing care. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord; 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly matters—how he may please his wife—1 Corinthians 7:32-33

The apostle Paul introduces the concept of spiritual divergence in a letter to the church at Corinth. While trying to explain his perspective as a single man, Paul points to friends who were drawn in diverging directions. If you understand the concept of happy wife, happy life, spouses feel compelled to please their soul mates. Based upon Paul’s own encounters with married Christian brothers, devotion to God often slips as wives become a greater priority than the Lord.

And he is drawn in diverging directions [his interests are divided and he is distracted from his devotion to God]. And the unmarried woman or girl is concerned and anxious about the matters of the Lord, how to be wholly separated and set apart in body and spirit; but the married woman has her cares [centered] in earthly affairs—how she may please her husband, 1 Corinthians 7:34.

Whether you are single, married or recently divorced, everyone experiences cycles. Periods where you draw close to God and years when you drift apart. Days. weeks and months when you are disciplined and focused on seizing the moment only to fall back into bad habits, drawn back into diverging directions. This is where maintaining a healthy balance comes into play between work and recreation. As long as free will exists, people will continue to be drawn in diverging directions. As you diverge, make sure that you don’t stray too far from home.

by Jay Mankus

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