We love good times and obvious blessings. When the sun warms us and living is easy, we have few complaints. It isn’t too hard during those times to send up prayers of gratitude and feel that everything is right in the world. We rest easy after our prayers and trust in God's goodness. But, inevitably, the tide turns. Good times ebb and the
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The challenges of persistent anxiety are, without a doubt, a relationship stressor. When life is difficult, our most cherished relationships will suffer the strain. However, that strain needn’t break us apart. Instead, we can choose to focus on growth and bonding. Try to remember this: …do not fear, for I am with you; do not be
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When a loved one is struggling with dark thoughts, you want to say the right words. When they suffer and withdraw, you want to do whatever you can to keep them close and to care for them. But, sadly, depression is difficult to overcome, whether you are a person of faith or not. It’s a common condition that works hard to keep your loved one
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Anxiety and exercise have been linked for quite a while now in studies and among mental health experts. We’ve heard how beneficial it is to move and release some of the tension and worry we accumulate. Thus, our first inclination might be to relax. We know how soothing it can be to stretch and breathe deeply. So, naturally, exercising for
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We all know that self-confidence is an important trait. People who exude self-confidence do well in this world—they are successful in work and relationships. More importantly, they are happy in their daily lives and less likely to be affected by rejection, stress, and anxiety. In other words, they are more resilient. Therefore, it would
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Depression is more than sadness and dark moods. If it were a person, it would be the worst kind of liar. A liar that uses your own thoughts, fears, shame, and self- directed judgments against you. We call such internal negativity our “inner critic.” And, unfortunately, Christians suffer daily in our own heads, at our own critical
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Some of us feel ashamed that we can’t push the negativity away by focusing on our faith or service. Some of us feel powerless when we simply can’t think happy thoughts or “get over” an overwhelming train of thought. And some of us don’t know how to head off negative thinking before it takes hold and interferes with
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Since the first Evite arrived, you’ve been tense. Worrying. Wracking your brain for the most believable way to say you won’t be there, or anywhere, no matter how merry the event. Too many people in enclosed places, staring at you and small-talking, making you want to run for the hills. Not deck the halls. Yet, you know there is more
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“Snap out of it!” Maybe you’ve heard it from half-joking friends who just want you to be well. Or your partner said it in a moment of frustration. Perhaps you repeat it silently to yourself when the dread and panic start to rise again. Does it ever really work? Of course not. Most of the recovery and growth that we need to do
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“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Faith and fear are not friends. We are directed to “fear not.” We are told to believe without dismay or despair. And we
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