The Bully

Fear and Anxiety
Have you ever had someone say something to you which caused anxiety in your heart? A family member had had a conversation with another family member. She gossiped to me and shared the following words,
“Sue doesn’t dare confront me!" At the time, it sent me into an anxiety attack. My heart raced, and my chest felt heavy. 
But then, GOD. 
He calmed the storm in my heart. He provided the peace and wisdom I needed. He reminded me about His love, His provision, and His Presence. 
This person wanted me to be afraid of her. God wanted me to know He was in control, I could trust Him, and He was my peace. 
I am thankful I processed it with God and did not ignore it. 
Months later, I shared the scenario with my counselor. She said this was more about this person needing to be superior. Family dynamics can be tricky. I need to pause and ask Jesus what is going on. The old is GONE. Jesus has given me His Spirit, who is Truth. He wants me to RUN TO HIM.
This story reminded me of something that happened to me in sixth grade. I had made an unwanted comment to a schoolmate. She told me she was going to beat me up. I was afraid and hid. My best friend heard about this and chose to fight for me. 
Lastly, I had a situation of a "what if" scenario. I had said something to someone and was afraid it would get back to someone else. I went into full panic mode. God assured me that I didn't need to be anxious. 
He was with me and would provide me with wisdom and words.
I am thankful God stepped in and sorted things out for me in all of these scenarios. 
When something robs me of peace, I need to stop. Ask questions instead of letting anxiety kill, steal, and destroy me. 
In the first scenario, God rescued me and assured me of His presence.
In the second scenario, Bev stepped in and rescued me from the bully.
In this last scenario, God assured me I didn't have to fall prey to fear. 
He says, “Continue to trust Me”.
All of these scenarios remind me that I need to let go of my fears and trust Jesus.
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He is an ever-present help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15