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I battle anxiety, worry, disquietude (KJV-type word!). A quote from Spurgeon has helped me: "Let your cares drive you to God. I shall not mind if you have many of them if each one leads you to prayer. If every fret makes you lean more on the Beloved, it will be a benefit." You know what else has helped me a lot? Reading through the Psalms. I try to read through them every month (or 5 weeks). Even when I don't feel like reading them, that's when I read them. Never skip a day. No matter how the worries and anxieties are crushing you, read those Psalms. David knew worry. Anxiety. Stress. And the other writers of the Psalms. Read the Psalms. If you're interested, I can post a link to an easy daily reading schedule. I don't know if I can share my email in this forum. Probably not. Let me know. Reading the Psalms: that's the ticket.

The purpose of the Spirit filled Christian is to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. An initial reaction of this expressiveness would be; as I see it cathartic and necessary. Our focus is to cast our cares on Him; not to fester on things once we come to terms with the reality. Therefore; I would see such a reaction as good because it likely expressed your own efforts in trying to suppress thoughts and control yourself to function as you became hardened to; no doubt because of the difficult people you tried to stand up to and deal with in the past. One thing which would be a major factor to be addressed is if indeed; any of these past people or abuses are continuing; and if patterns of entrenched behavior may be affecting interactions with the same family members or others you deal with now. Personally; I dealt with a very narcissistic (in psychological terms) father all my life; not with physical but mental abuse who now in later stages of Dementia is fairly easy to deal with. Such led to a milestone for me helping him to get his nails trimmed last weekend; his pride in the past wouldn't have allowed anyone to help him. The Lord gives us the fortitude to have courage because He is our front and rear guard; confidence because those who are falsely accused and cursed at will be blessed with great eternal reward. We want to convey God's offer of forgiveness (as I am still attempting to do with my Dad) by example mainly with family; but sticking to our guns on our faith in Christ. Such was what I dealt with when my mom went through the last 6 months of her life and she suddenly became nasty and abusive herself. (Just trying to share some real life examples here). In the same token we dare not neglect to ignore the fact that God is going to judge the intentions of the heart and actions of those who have wronged us; alas "vengeance is mine; I will repay" says the Lord. Reading the Psalms shows how David dealt with the madness of Saul primarily in numerous threats to his life with restraint where he held to God's eventual overall destruction of the wicked but in his personal affairs was very patient. So we don't want to be overly self critical as to all of our imperfections because such a value was instilled in us; but we also don't want to let our past hurts excuse actions now once we know better; and the Lord has to do the transformation. That's why I always say look to those who seem nice who often we can idolize which is also wrong. Those who are overtly wicked are at least not trying to pretend they like us. Those who pretend to care who are in reality self centered are worse. It is good to find stability in our lives with mature relationships; but of course we have to live with ourselves first before we can have the fortitude to deal with building up others and truly enjoy fellowship of the saints. Hope some of this is helpful.. Agape; Rich P

Dear Chas, You have come to a good place for prayer and encouragement. I can share a few verses that have been helpful and have provided strength for me, I pray they well do the same for you. Joshua 1:9 "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you." Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." God Bless

Lord Jesus please send peace and healing. Thank you.