Looking back, you may think that the previous couple of years of great events are the fodder for the idea of blockbuster feature movies, the explanation to create a latest video game, or on the very least, a foul dream. The human spirit has at all times feared an “act of God,” a world pandemic, a hurricane, or another cataclysmic event of which we now have no control nor an evidence of the apparent cause. In our fallen state, it is simply “human” to feel hopeless and helpless when events greater than us take over every facet of our lives.
Fear is debilitating. It manifests itself in a wide range of unhealthy behaviors. One such behavior, worry, is a negative concentrate on the longer term. Speculating what might occur under potential circumstances can provide each of us with lots of of sleepless nights. Today’s teens are experiencing the results of worry and its parent cause, fear, in unprecedented numbers. Diagnostic interview data from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement shows that 31% of all youth have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Note the word “diagnosed.” Imagine the share after we include those that haven’t sought medical or psychiatric help. Fear has reached pandemic levels.
As Christians, we’re told over 500 times within the Bible to not fear. That means there may be a fear warning for virtually every single day of the yr after which some. The Lord warns us that fear that leads to worry shouldn’t be from Him, it’s from the adversary. Yes, fear is an element of the human condition, but as a part of the Body of Christ, we’re called to faith over fear. We are called to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God won’t ever leave or forsake us.
1. Diagnosed Anxiety
Studies show an estimated 32% of adolescents have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder — and the prevalence of a lot of these disorders is 38% higher for females. Thanks to the Bible, we know the way God cares for those afflicted with anxiety. After the death of Moses, Joshua was likely anxious about his own future. But God said to him “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; don’t be discouraged, for the
LORD your God will probably be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). God calls everyone to live a lifetime of greatness. She will not be leading Israelites to the promised land just like the prophet Joshua, but what’s God calling your daughter to do with great courage?
2. Worst-case Scenario Thinking
Does your daughter live in constant fear of the “worst-case scenario?” For some, it may be difficult to navigate through the brand new and unknown in life. Those who live in heavy fog of the “what if” can feel paralyzed by their circumstances. Rather than view her as a “Debbie Downer,” consider the extent of severity this pessimism has on her life. Anxiety this severe isn’t something to disregard. If your daughter experiences this crippling fear, consider counseling. A trained skilled can tap into her fears in a secure and productive option to help her overcome them.
3. Panic Attacks
Has your girl ever been overwhelmed by the stressors in her life? For some, moments of stress and anxiety manifest in a physical way. These are known commonly as panic attacks. Hyperventilating, dizziness, tightening within the chest — they’re all scary symptoms of panic.
If your daughter is experiencing panic attacks, you may ease her burden by being present along with her within the moment. Whether through the reassurance of a bear hug or the ability of intercessory prayer, you might help your daughter find the sunshine at the tip of this temporary tunnel. If you discover your daughter is experiencing panic attacks often, and even repeatedly, it is vital to hunt down help from mental health professionals, like her doctor or a Christian counselor.
4. Worrying
Is your girl a worrier? Is she paralyzed by fear of the unknown? Break the cycle of fear by having your girl start a “worry journal.” Every day for 10 days, send her a text asking her to jot down a worry or fear in her journal. On Day 11, ask her to read her fears aloud and count what number of got here true. Then wait for the gasp …Chances are, NONE of those fears got here true.
5. Feelings of Inadequacy
Do you ever feel like you may not be enough? Smart enough, holy enough, thin enough? Remember this: your girl, regardless of her age, is perceptive to your thoughts and perceptions of yourself. Research shows repeatedly that probably the most influential force on a lady’s self-image is her parents.
For those parents who feel like they aren’t enough, there’s excellent news. Our own weakness is fertile ground for God’s power. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says all of it: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Boast in your weakness, not as a self-loathing act, but as a option to welcome God into your insecurities. The best lesson you may teach your girl is that God’s love and mercy make her good enough.
6. Fear of the Future
We’re told that God’s plans are good, and His timing is correct — but within the trenches of life, it may be hard to undergo His will and “trust the method.” So, what do our girls do once they’re struggling to remain strong of their faith? It’s been said that “The opposite of religion isn’t doubt, it’s control.” In the face of fear, believers can fall into the worldly habit of trying to regulate every little thing. Then a surprise sick day or a rained-out vacation can send us right into a tailspin. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that while we may plan, it’s God who “establishes our steps.” Encourage your girl to journal about among the things she’s trying to regulate in her life today and invite God into her heart to alleviate that burden.
7. Struggling to Find Her Place
“I’m afraid I’ll stand out if I’m the one girl who…” Has your girl found herself facing the truth that she’s different from others round her? This generally is a shock to her spirit at first. Over time, she will go considered one of two ways: toward anxiety, at all times attempting to slot in, or embracing her uniqueness in peace and joy.
God’s grand design for His People is stuffed with diversity, meaning while we enjoy some similarities, ultimately, all are different — unique. Philippians 2:2 phrases “of 1 accord” to seal our togetherness under the mind of Christ, moderately than the necessity to have the identical skin color, music preferences, or political beliefs.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/vladans
Patti Garibay is the founder and executive director of American Heritage Girls, (AHG, www.AmericanHeritageGirls.org), a national Christ-centered leadership and character development program. For nearly three many years, AHG has been on the forefront of countering the culture by leading women and girls to create lives of integrity. Patti is the creator of Why Curse the Darkness When You Can Light A Candle?, a story of trust and obedience to encourage those that desire to make Kingdom impact yet struggle with the fear of inadequacy. Patti is the host of the Raising Godly Girls (RGG) podcast and “Raising Godly Girls” one-minute radio feature which helps to equip, affirm and strengthen girls with timely Scripture-based advice.
