As You Find Me
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
Anxiety and depression…They’re a funny thing. Just when everything seems to be great, like a light switch, it flips. I don’t know what causes it but in an instant everything goes from great and happy to stressful and scary. There’s so much going on in my life right now. I've completely left my comfort zone and started a new job that I love, but is an adjustment. My living situation is stressful, as a new roommate that I don't really know just moved in. Budgeting is all over the place, as I've realized there is a lot with my car and home that I need to focus on. And that's just a handful of things.
It’s very easy for me to put a face on, but it’s also very easy to feel everything eating you from the inside. The only thing that I can say is that leaning on God is the only way to get through it. That seems like such an easy thing to do, but sometimes it's almost the last thing you want to do.
I can’t give a simple answer on how to lean on God, but for me, just sitting and listening to worship music allows me to stop and refocus my mind. One song that I reference a lot is “As You Find Me” by Hillsong United. It is clear in the song that God meets us where we are; that He doesn’t expect us to have our whole life together; that He loves us just the way we are. It’s such a great reminder for me in the trying times to lean back and remember that even in my struggles, God wants me to simply rely on him. Journaling is something I’m new to doing. Even if it’s just a little at a time written, it can help you go back and see what you were struggling with and working on. Prayer helps as well. It can be weird at times, but boiled down to fundamentals, it’s you talking to God. It doesn't need to be perfect or well-thought-out. Simply talking to God is a step towards working through the stress and anxiety.
When leaning on God, it won’t be easy to work through everything, but it will be easier than going through it alone.
Jacob Grossman
Jacob has served on the Production Team for many years, starting while in High School. He was one of our very first Interns and is now on Staff, primarily over-seeing our Audio Team. Jacob brings a strong sense of commitment to his work and his faith, while also having a great sense of humor. – The Learning Together Team