It’s been a while since I have had any significant anxiety for which I am very thankful.  However, anxiety can be such a nightmare for anyone having it.  It always draws me to the Lord, and He has often spoken comfort, reassurance, and peace to me in my journal. So, here is an entry that could help an anxiety-sufferer on this day!   

I was at a conference with my church on how to listen to God and minister to hurting people.

From the Journal  .  .  . . October  2016

Lord, again I know I need a greater ability to love my students in a way that translates into love for them.  I need to get past their anger to see them and their hurts.  I’m glad to be sitting next to my teacher friend because he relates to the care, love, and frustration of teaching high-risk children. They may be afraid of being loved.  The other day I stopped by to drop something off for my kindergartner, Teresa.  She had fallen asleep at a small desk and her older brother called her “Ugly Bitch” to wake her up.  It was heartbreaking.  How many of my kids are hearing these negative things from morning to night?  And they, in turn, speak the same to others. How can I or a small group of teachers build up confidence against such a destructive environment?  I indeed feel like a soldier in Gideon’s small but powerful army. That was the text for the workshop. 

Then, we were encouraged to “Hear from Jesus”.   

And I Believe God Said:

You can do this because you love Me and I love you.

Phil 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. KJV

Lord, Angela mentioned hearing from You on a daily basis.  I need to hear from You more than daily.  I need you ‘minute-ly’ (not to be confused with minutely).

Jesus, we are having this time to hear from You.  Please speak.

You do have fears and many fears are about being afraid.  I’m never mad at you because of your fear.  I just want you to be free.  You know I am here.  You get distracted.  I will block for you.  You can be in ‘beast mode’.  You can.  I will be here always.  Always your helmet – always your shield and always your sword.

Luke 12:32 ³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. NLT. Psalm 140:6-7 I said to the Lord, “You are my God!”
    Listen, O Lord, to my cries for mercy!
⁷ O Sovereign Lord, the strong one who rescued me,
    you protected me on the day of battle.

During this time in my life, I was very into football.  Marshawn Lynch was a running back for the Seahawks and was known for playing in ‘beast mode’.  It was a great analogy.

Wow.  Thank You, Lord. 

It is so typical for fears to come when you are trying to do a work for God. He wants us to be bold and trust Him to do the blocking for us. Then we can do what we believe we are called to do.