Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV
These verses have been both a challenge and a comfort to me as I’ve been dealing with panic attacks (often while driving) over the past few years. It has been very difficult and discouraging, and often downright scary; but I am thankful for the glimpses of hope I have, and for the support and prayers of a friend who has walked a very similar path. She recommended The Panic Attacks Workbook to me which has been very helpful, both in knowing that it is something that can be overcome, and in giving me ways to retrain my mind and body not to react that way (I don’t necessarily recommend all his suggestions – I skipped the chapter on self-hypnosis. 😉 ) But it takes time, and often seems like I make a little progress only to have another bad day. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV) are also an encouragement to me:
And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
