Everyday we go through a plethora of obstacles whether it’s family, financial, health or even job issues that can become very overwhelming if not effectively managed. Are you struggling with your every day routine trying to tackle various things all the while trying to keep your head above water? Has your heart been so heavy that it has been hard to smile? You look at everyone else surrounding you and it seems as if they aren’t going through anything and life is great? Meanwhile you are trying to search for the energy to pretend like you’re present when your mind is somewhere else? Have you ever been there?
I want to take a moment to talk about “un-faking it” until you make it and to shed light on how to overcome being overwhelmed from a spiritual standpoint. I want to share something’s that have helped me cope with my anxiety over the years during my walk with God. These may sound familiar to some, but for others, these techniques may be foreign to you and that’s okay. I hope you are up for a challenge and ready to explore Christian coping skills that have been life changing.
Christian coping skills playlist:
This is one of my ultimate favorites and my go to coping skill. Research suggest that the frequency of listening to religious music is associated with a decrease in anxiety and increases in life satisfaction, self-esteem, and a sense of control.
Let’s say you just received some unexpected news that triggers sad emotions and you are now seeking words of encouragement, hope, or maybe empathy and there is no one insight to talk to. Having a playlist dedicated to times as such, could help provide you with the hope, encouragement and empathy that you are seeking. You could maybe name the playlist “The hope playlist,” or something of the like.
Maybe you are going on a date for the first time and your anxiety is getting the best of you. Your thoughts begin to ruminate and the fight or flight responses take over. That “confidence,” playlist would surely come in handy!
Mindfulness morning sermons/podcasts:
These are great to use while getting ready for the morning. Whether you are in the shower, brushing your teeth, or fighting the morning traffic, taking time to prepare your mind and putting your mind on Jesus first thing in the morning, not only benefits you but it also benefits your co-workers, customers, clients, or others that you may encounter that day.
This could also be beneficial for night time during those sleepless nights. Putting on a bible-based guided imagery meditation can assist with those racing thoughts that we encounter during the night.
Here are a few favorites
https://youtu.be/oWIusnIHCSE?si=GCL6QOdSkZPP5Frm
https://youtu.be/Ke5GlJ8tYHk?si=bjjTUgmPOnS8R7Eg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_NbB9JljF8
Prayer Closet:
Having a space to go to to talk to God seems refreshing and peaceful right? Now, you may be wondering “why would I need to go in a closet to talk to God?” It does not necessarily have to be a closet. It could be in your car, in your bathroom, or at your kitchen table. The significance of this “prayer closet” is to designate a space that you go to as your sacred place to talk to God. Matthew 6:6 says “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” God wants to hear from you and requires your undivided attention without distractions from the world. Having a sacred place just for you and God can break the chains that may be binding you.
Lastly but certainly not the least, Bible scriptures for various situations that you may face:
As stated previously, we go through many obstacles, and maybe you have tried using the coping skills playlist and the other above mentioned techniques and none seem to be fulfilling during your most darkest moments. Having scriptures to rely on could be the cure or answer that you are looking for when overwhelmed. I want to share some scriptures with you that have helped me over the years during my most vulnerable times and pray they do the same for you:
Jeremiah 29:11 - God already knows the outcome and what he has for you
Psalm 27:1-14 - Wait on God, seek him, and know that he would never leave you
Philippians 4:6-7 - Don’t worry about anything, instead pray that his peace will keep you and don’t forget to thank him
Always remember, there is NOTHING to hard for God. You may not understand why everything is happening in your life, but if you continue to trust God, he will bring you through.
Peace and Blessings.
Reference:
Bradshaw, M., Ellison, C. G., Fang, Q., & Mueller, C. (2015). Listening to Religious Music and Mental Health in Later Life. The Gerontologist, 55(6), 961–971.
https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnu020
Therapeutic Counseling & Consulting has a team of therapists that provide faith based counseling when requested. The following therapists do incorporate Christian Counseling practices: Jami Smithson, Tara Johnson, Melissa Roberts and Taylor Simmons. If you would like to schedule a therapy appointment with someone on our team please click the link below. If you are looking for Christian Counseling to be incorporated within therapy please let our appointment specialist know so she can pair you with the correct therapist.