From Rock Bottom to Renewed

If we’re talking about rock bottoms… this one was mine.

9 months ago, I had a panic attack and my whole world came crashing down. As scary and as hard as it was to move forward with so much fear, I was determined that I would never allow that to happen to me ever again.

I knew my mental health mattered, and I knew I needed to make a change, no matter how difficult. 9 months later, here I am (mostly) anxiety free. So what changed?

In today’s blog post, I will be sharing how I went from rock bottom (spiritually & emotionally), to making major progress in all areas of my life.

#1. Take Captive Every thought

I became increasingly aware of just how toxic all of my thoughts were. All of my thoughts were rooted in fear and survival and not the abundance that God’s word gives us. For the first time in my life, I finally realized that I was believing, replaying, and living in a complete cycle of lies.

I worked really hard to take captive my thoughts. Anytime a thought would enter, I would fight it with scripture, prayer, worship & gratitude. For the first month, it felt like nothing was changing. It felt like I was spinning my wheels and burning myself out with no progress. I was EXHAUSTED battling my own mind every single day.

And then finally… a light bulb came on. Suddenly, the darkest parts of my mind were illuminated and my mind began working differently than ever before.

I wasn’t trapped in fight or flight anymore.

I wasn’t having to battle my mind day and night.

I wasn’t spiraling anymore and I wasn’t getting those intrusive panic filled thoughts anymore.

#2. Renew Your Mind Daily with Scripture

Getting into God’s word daily - even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time- is crucial for rewiring your brain and increasing your faith. Write down His word, post it around your home or your workplace so you can bring it into focus easily when you need it the most.

You will be amazed at how much God’s word will change your response system in stressful situations. When I am experiencing a trying situation, I run right to reading God’s word instead of allowing my mind to run rampant with fear.

#3. Remember His Goodness

Anytime you are tempted to fear or panic, I encourage you to instead remember all that God has blessed you with. Name them out one by one. After a few minutes, you’ll realize that God has always provided. He has always taken bad situations and used them for our good in the end - so why would now be any different?

If you’re at rock bottom and you need some encouragement to give you strength and peace, my book Battle Cry is for you. It is filled with poems and prayers that soften the most anxious hearts and helps anxious women turn their minds toward God and increase their faith in daily living.

Get your copy on Amazon today. I hope it blesses you and encourages your weary heart.

Are you at rock bottom? If so, I encourage you to give it all to the one who created you & planned your days from the very beginning. Nothing is too hard for Him. Give Him the chance to show you just how much He can move in your present circumstances.

This moment that feels so soul crushingly hopeless is the exact moment that God is using to rebuild you and set you on the path He’s called you to. This moment will not be wasted. This season is temporary in the grand scheme of God’s plan for you.

Let God use this setback to set you up for the rest of your life. The pain-while heavy and burdensome- is also fleeting. The Lord is quick to hear and swift to deliver you.

So, If you’ve hit rock bottom, I’m here to tell you: you will go up again. You will see the light of day once more. Please, hold onto the hope that God is in the business of all things good and that your life will no exception.

In your pain, your discomfort, your suffering, your deepest disappointments - he is moving unlike ever before.

With love and prayer,

Alyssa Wadsworth