Praying About Panic and Pain
Praying About Panic and Pain | June 5th
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the word "distressed" means a feeling of extreme worry, sadness, or pain. Before 2020, CBS News reported that an estimated 8.3 million (3.4%) American adults suffered from a distress disorder. The Pew Research Center said that during the COVID-19 pandemic, at least four in ten adults faced high levels of psychological distress. The same organization released an updated report on March 2nd of last year, saying that those increased numbers have remained the same. Thus, it should come as no surprise that people struggle with issues between the ears! Thankfully, we have trained professionals, holistic practices, medicines, and groups that help people address these concerns; however, the reach of these merit-worthy responses can only go so far.
See, to properly deal with high levels of panic and pain, we need to develop a prayer focus like David had in Psalm 4:1-8 which says, "Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, 'Who will bring us prosperity?' Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."
David was praying for God to send him relief amid his distress. We can and should also pray like that when anxiety and stress hit. Let's be creative and, like David, write our pleas for peace and trust God to provide the consolation we need to go forward.
Remember, you're not a weak believer if you wrestle with distress or mental health disorders. Instead of sinking in unwarranted shame, appeal in prayer for increased grace.
Prayer is not magical or mythical but practical and powerful, especially when dealing with panic and pain.
See, to properly deal with high levels of panic and pain, we need to develop a prayer focus like David had in Psalm 4:1-8 which says, "Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, 'Who will bring us prosperity?' Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety."
David was praying for God to send him relief amid his distress. We can and should also pray like that when anxiety and stress hit. Let's be creative and, like David, write our pleas for peace and trust God to provide the consolation we need to go forward.
Remember, you're not a weak believer if you wrestle with distress or mental health disorders. Instead of sinking in unwarranted shame, appeal in prayer for increased grace.
Prayer is not magical or mythical but practical and powerful, especially when dealing with panic and pain.
Posted in Prayer
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
No Comments