Practical Ways to Find Joy Amidst the Panic, Part 2/2

As a pastor’s wife, it can be overwhelming to struggle with something so real and tangible as panic attacks and anxiety.

But I know firsthand that it is possible to have joy despite a challenge that is so difficult – because God is bigger!

If you didn’t catch my story in part one, you can read it here.

If you are currently facing an insurmountable trial in your life such as panic/anxiety, or be it something else, let me offer these practical ways to help you find joy even in the middle of something so difficult.

 

1. You can have victory through your trial and not out of it. I have spent a good amount of time (years) asking (no, begging) God to remove my circumstances from me. The panic, at times, has been more than I could handle. “Please God, remove this from me!” “I cannot bear it another moment.” But then God whispers Christ’s perfect example in the garden. (Matthew 26:36-42) He surrendered to God’s will. And although God never removed the cross from Him, Christ achieved victory. Even though you’re not Jesus, you can, from His perfect example, have victory through your trial and not by having it removed from you.
2. Joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on Christ. In relation to point number one, how often do you think that you could have joy if only….Our focus must be on Christ and on Him being the sole giver of joy. If we look to anything else to fulfill our joy needs, then it will always result in disappointment. Paul, in Philippians 4:11-14 said he found the secret to being content, and that was by standing in the power of God’s strength. My friend, draw from God. Draw all of your strength from Him. He will hold you fast.
3. God uses our trials to conform us to the image of Christ. Let that be the encouragement that holds you together. The best way for us to be refined is to go through the trial. (See James 1:12 and Romans 5:3-4. I also recommend reading this article as well.) As much as I would love to be taken out of my circumstances (see above 🙂 ) I understand from Romans 8:28-29 that it is through the very difficulties that God allows in our lives that He changes us. Out of love for us, praise God, He conforms us the the image of Christ. And that is worth any difficulty we have to pass through. It will be worth it for you to struggle as God uses it in your life to make you look more like Christ!
4. Consider your suffering in light of eternity. By no means do I want to minimize the trial you may be facing, but Scripture offers so much hope! We must remember the hope of Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” What joy and hope that brings to my mind and heart. Can you imagine the glory God has in store for you? Even though your struggle is so great, let it serve as a reminder of our time in eternity with God that is yet to come!
5. Be open with your struggle. On a practical level, I have found that being open and honest with my congregation has served me well. Ironically, as I tried to hide panic, it became more and more difficult to conceal. Probably because for me, it’s so physically evident, there’s really no way to hide it. As I’ve opened up to others and have shared my heart, I’ve been met with a couple of different responses. 1.) People haven’t experienced it, but they are willing to accept it and love me through it, or more commonly 2.) They have been right where I am. They understand panic and anxiety on some level. Being honest about my struggle has allowed me to minister to those who are trapped in it and have no hope. Praise God He can use me despite my weaknesses! (There is actually another reaction that people tend to have toward panic attacks and anxiety, and that is not to understand at all. On the very few occasions that this has happened to me, I’ve just had to surrender it to God and let Him handle that person for me.)
6. Let Christ define you rather than your trials. Finally, it can be very easy to sit back and let panic create a definition of who you are. Resist it! You are a daughter of the One True King! Sure, panic may be a part of your life, but you have your identity in Christ! I have often entered a new ministry laying out my life story, as the “one with panic” so that others know how to respond to me. Recently I’ve tried to find my identity in Christ, rather than my panic. I want that same joy for you! Through Christ, it’s possible!!

While panic may always be a part of my life, I’ve finally begun to understand that it doesn’t make me an ineffective pastor’s wife and it doesn’t have to steal my joy! I pray the same will be true for you!

The enemy seeks to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8-9). We can’t let him! If you are struggling with panic/anxiety, you must fill your mind with truth! I have found this song to be a great encouragement to me even as I have felt like I am drowning in panic. I’m reminded that God will keep me. He will never let me go. He Will Hold Me Fast.

What practical ways have you found to help you through the panic and anxiety? Have you been able to achieve victory in the trial? Or have you sought to get out of it as fast as possible? Please comment below and share. We’d love to hear and pray for/with you!