Thump. Thump. Thump, thump, thump.
My pounding heart raced as I stood in the hallway preparing for my presentation. No, not now! I tried to calm myself before anyone noticed. Hot tears ran down my face as the anxiety attack only worsened. I squeezed my eyes shut, desperate for the tears to stop.
“Are you okay?”
When I heard my classmate’s voice, I opened my eyes. I knew she could see right through my facade.
Her arms wrapped around me as I struggled to keep my emotions under control. “Deep breaths,” she said, gently rubbing my back.
My teacher walked up. “It’ll be okay,” she said. “Would you like me to pray for you?”
I nodded, unable to speak, as I focused on breathing and calming myself down.
As my teacher prayed, I felt the anxiety fade. The soothing presence of the Holy Spirit filled my heart. I walked into the classroom, still nervous but ready to give my presentation more confidently.
Anxiety is a paralyzing fear with which a lot of people struggle. It can be easy for the brain to escalate when thinking of something that makes us anxious, whether talking in front of people, performing, or simply being around large crowds. But there is a solution.
We don’t have to fear the future because Isaiah reminds us we have a God who continually walks with us. Yet sometimes we struggle to trust Him. However, anxiety is not solely based on a lack of trust. Often, we lack a support system. We need to find people who will guide us from the Bible and who have been through what we’re experiencing. Anxiety is a real battle, but we can win the battle through love, trust, and care.
Think of things that make you anxious. Then ask the Lord to support you and become who He wants you to be.
Hannah Cahoon is a college senior studying professional writing. She is a self-published author on Amazon. She started writing as soon as she learned how and hasn’t stopped since. Her sincere desire is to use her words to spread the love of her Savior to all who will listen.