Tag Archives: Facing your storms

7 lies that can add to your anxiety

6 Apr

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged April 6, 2019

With a lump in my throat, I fight back tears of gratitude for this note from one of my readers:

“My brother had your book Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow dedicated to me. I read every page. And my favorite part is when you explained about making Jesus the center of your life. I was compelled to do the same.”

Although those words touched this reader, my desire was to pour my soul through in the pages of my book where I recount the episodes in my life. Those chapters where I faced storms I thought were too violent to endure.

7 lies.

Not only violent, but too big for me. And at the same time, they seemed too insignificant for God. To fuel the fire of despair, I added more lies of my own:

  1. I was alone to face them.
  2. I was the only one who faced the degree of pain.
  3. It was up to me to figure out a way out of my despair.
  4. I would never be happy again.
  5. I deserved some of what happened to me.
  6. I had the right to blame others.
  7. God is distant, and deaf to my cries.

Lies and more lies triggered self-pity and multiplied my tears at night. But morning of hope came shining in the story in the boat when His disciples, similar to my emotional state, trembled in the storm:

“He said to his disciples, ‘Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?’” (Mark 4:39-40).

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” 

Did you read that?

Not partly, but completely calm. He calms the storm within—enough to expose the lies so His truth can sing within. He brings peace around us, and invites tranquility to cover us.

He’s extending the same invitation to you. Maybe you’re holding on to the sides of the boat, knuckles white, heart drumming while the wind of loneliness blows.  And, He’s asking you the same thing:  Did lies erase your faith? Did you overlook His grace? Did you dismiss His reassurance He’s with you, right now, in Your pain and in Your storm?

Let’s pray:

Father, I confess the deceptive notions that burn in my heart. Even when my world is buffeted by the violent storm, I ask you to fill my heart with wisdom to recognize the lies that invade my thoughts. Replace them with deep faith to know You’re with me, near me, and over me till the storm passes by. In Jesus’ name, amen.

How about you? What lies do you need to silence during your storm?

Janet

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Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

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Source: https://janetperezeckles.com/blog/inspiration/7-lies-that-can-add-to-your-anxiety.html#

 

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com<

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God, calm my storm

20 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

(May 19, 2017)

The experience was unique on my last trip home. The plane ride was bouncy and rough. I stretched out on the seat beside me in that 10-passenger small plane.

I must have dosed off because all of a sudden, I notice the engine slowing down, the plane seem to lose power. The engine turned way too quiet– a frightening kind of quiet. There was no one beside me to ask. A bit of worry knocked at the door. So I thought, “Lord, here I come, open those heaven gates.”

Suddenly, the plane stopped. Unable to see the surroundings, I had no idea we had landed. The change of the engine sound was because we were on the ground already.

Please make me feel good and tell me you did something silly like that, too. You assumed the worst when it was the best instead.

I don’t feel too bad, though. The disciples did something similarly as related in Matthew 8:23-26.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, and “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

Father, forgive me when I lose my faith and doubt that you’re in my boat, present during my storms. Grant me wisdom and conviction to know I’m never alone, to be calm when the winds of disappointment, of heartache and fear blow fiercely around me. I will count on the safety of your presence in the storms of all sizes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

What storms are you facing today? Who’s in your boat.

Janet

 

Source: God, calm my storm. ~ Janet Perez Eckles

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