MOVING FORWARD â—½ ENCOURAGEMENT
Not Alone
by Pam Charro
Immanuel - "God with Us"
​
For most of my life, I've been searching for truth and meaning. During the process, I have explored various religions, and Christianity stood out to me as the only one where God relentlessly pursued us instead of us hoping we can be good enough for him. In fact, the only way to truly receive Jesus is by acknowledging that we can never be good enough, accepting the grace that he offers, and growing in understanding of just how loved we must be in order for that to even be possible.
​
Even after all these years, this concept
never ceases to blow my mind.
​
Unfortunately, that truth hasn't yet been able to completely free me of debilitating anxiety. Despite the fact that God, his Word, and the Holy Spirit have faithfully developed my progress in my walk for many years, the habit of thinking and feeling alone in my struggles has persisted, and it has been terrifying. I find myself forced to examine why I still feel that way, and to move closer to God and his promises so that I can find deeper peace and comfort.
God isn't surprised by this weakness. Many of us suffered abandonment and abuse during a particularly vulnerable time - often as children - when we were not equipped to adequately process such trauma. I know that Father understands that healing takes time and repeated proof that he really is there. But I also need to be intentional in insisting that he is faithful and his Word is true. I will never get to where I need to go if I just wait for the feeling to arrive.
​
I must push back against the bully of fear.
​
It seems to be taking forever, but Bible passages such as these have helped me a lot:
​
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.
Zephaniah 3:17 The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Psalm 27:1 Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
​
Of course, all of this is only a small sample of the comfort that is available in the scriptures, but I find that as I "practice" believing these types of passages, fear not only dissipates, but I also develop a godly indignation toward it. I realize that fear really doesn't have a right to keep bullying me; on the contrary, God has a right to be believed. And what God deserves is all that matters.
I also feel I should mention that overcoming anxiety has been more complicated than it probably should have been because well-meaning believers have, likely unintentionally, caused me to believe I should have progressed further than I have. It has been challenging to maintain my own patience in my journey when others have inadvertently put their should of on my own faith. Not everyone can relate to the trauma I have experienced, and, for some, I may seem a little behind in my progress. But God is understanding and he is pleased with my courage in coming this far. If you can relate, please also be patient with yourself. Our journey is sacred and beautiful, and Papa God understands that true intimacy with him takes time.
​
I'm becoming less fearful and more confident each day. Hallelujah! Praise God for his faithfulness, love, and, especially, his presence in every trial.