Prescription for the Anxious Mom: A Look Inside My Medicine Cabinet
Anxiety, frustration, fatigue, depression, overwhelm, mood swings, the feeling of drowning, and the involuntary cringe on those days when my precious children even calling my name feels like fingernails on a chalkboard. These are just a few of the many symptoms I have struggled with off and on for the past 10 to 20 years.
I am not about to write this post and tell you that I have it all figured out.
Nor am I going to tell you that if you are struggling with these things then you are spiritually inferior. For so many years I poured out my heart to the Lord and begged for deliverance from these feelings. Often times I felt I just wasn’t “spiritual” enough if I couldn’t kick this.
However, I openly acknowledge that there are times when it is truly a chemical issue, as is the case with myself. Times where medication can be every bit an answer to prayer.
I have personally been on medication for anxiety and depression for several years now. It has been the avenue through which the Lord has brought much more peace to our home and my marriage. If this is where you find yourself, please know there is no shame in using the gifts of science the Lord has also blessed us with.
All of that being said, there are still days when I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. There are times when I begin to wonder if I should simply start doubling up on my daily dose! But I want to give you a peek inside of my medicine cabinet, literally.
In the picture you see that my prescription and vitamins are kept in the cabinet near my Pyrex, spices, and coconut oil. Isn’t that where everybody keeps their medicine? Anyway, the point is, not long ago the Lord helped me to realize that although I spend daily time with Him, I have slacked off on scripture memorization. (The number one way to truly hide His Word in our hearts.) I wasn’t necessarily running to the medication He has provided for my soul as often as I should.
In the midst of an especially tough emotional season God impressed the desire on my heart to grab hold of Scripture in a new way. I began a new habit of taking His prescription for me at the same time I take my medication each day.
Now, each time I go to take my medication I am saying out loud a few of these powerful verses. And they are having a massive impact on my daily walk.
I wanted to share some of these Scriptures with you. I encourage you to grab some note cards and some tape. Put some of these up where you will see them every day. And when you see them, speak them out loud because, my friend, there is power in our words. (Proverbs 18:20-21) And in the Word of God we find the ultimate power for the casting down of strongholds (2 Cor. 10:3-5) and for the transformation of our hearts and the sanctification of our souls.
To God be the glory! All power is His, and nothing, no nothing can stop the good work He has begun in each of us. (Psalm 57:2; Phil. 1:6)
“Behold, God is my helper and ally; the Lord is my upholder and is with them who uphold my life. For He has delivered me out of every trouble, and my eye has looked [in triumph] on my enemies.” Psalm 54:4&7
“ [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].” Colossians 2:15
“I lean my entire personality on Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness.” Taken from Colossians 1:4
“The Love of Christ controls me.” From 2 Corinthians 5:14
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
“I will not become a slave to anything or be brought under its power.” From 1 Corinthians 6:12
