I don't usually do this kind of thing. In fact, this is legitimately the first time I've EVER asked anyone outside of my immediate family to pray for me (as in JUST myself) specifically, but the Lord put this in my mind and laid it on my heart, so here I am.
As of late, I've been struggling greatly. The devil has been assaulting me nonstop. That's the only way I can think of to describe it. Nonstop thoughts trying to seed doubts, fears, worries, anxiety, etc. almost entirely on topics and subjects that are out of my control and normal people don't worry about on a daily basis 24/7, in an almost obsessive manner to the point that, I've legitimately vomited in my mouth and been sick to my stomach more than once. Its almost like I'm being forced into a existential crisis daily for a couple of weeks now where I have no peace, nothing I normally enjoy or do for fun brings me any kind of happiness. The only time I have any kind of "peace" so to speak, is when I'm doing something mind numbing where I'm not thinking AT ALL. I've prayed together with my family twice now, and it DOES subside and go away, but the Lord's laid this on my heart to ask you guys to pray for me too.
So I'd appreciate anyone who can take a moment to just pray a quick prayer of peace and protection from the devil's machinations and attacks against me. Thank you to anyone who does so.
EDIT: I should also ask for prayers for my family too so that this stuff doesn't start happening to them as either. Thank you for that as well.
EDIT 2: Woke up this morning and saw I had nearly 80 comments and 154 likes. Read through everything and, I just wanna thank you all. I already thanked the Lord for helping me to feel better, since I do. But thank you all as well for praying for me and my family.
Matthew 18:20 (NIV): "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them".
Well, with a 150+ I'd say Jesus is here for all of us facing this stuff. Thank you Heavenly Father for blessing all of us and doing what's best for us. For guiding us and leading us so that your will may be done in our lives. For helping us when we're down and out and picking us back up. For giving us peace, your heavenly peace, and relief from the assaults of the evil one and his minions. In the Holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and our Savior, we pray and ask for all of this Father.
Amen
At times when the collective stress levels increase, like now, it is important to not allow negativity to take root and dwell. You are not alone and there are many that are feeling the same way. The whole world is in a state of heightened anxiety about the future that is continuously being fed by the crazy unhinged media that thrives on sensational and negative news. It helps ratings. But that negative energy is also contagious. Turn it off for a bit and press in to God so you can actually clear your mind rather than staying in a downward spiral.
Challenging times are often allowed by the Almighty to bring us closer to Him in relationship because in the end, He is the only one we can truly trust to have our best interests in His heart. Turn all that anxiety over to Him - but you have to be willing to actually give it to Him and not hang on to it - even if by a fingernail. That requires a humble strength of spirit that is honed by situations just like this. As you said, much of that anxiety is over things you have no control of - especially others. Deal with things in which your actions do matter, and give the rest to him. Learn to be able to tell the difference.
Happiness is temporal and fleeting. Those that seek it will usually always be left wanting in the end. Contentment, no matter our situation, is what must be sought after. That only comes through trust in God and quiet reflection rather than distraction.
Nothing escapes His purview or is separate from His ultimate control. Give up control of the uncontrollable. If there is no intervention that you can do on your part, give it to God. If there is something you can reasonably do, than do it. Sometimes simply helping others can pull us out of our self focused negativity and can break the cycle. Possibly look for ways to meaningfully help another in which there is nothing in it for you other than perhaps a thank you. But even if there is no thank you, you are still satisfied by simply doing the right thing which is reward enough in itself.
Will pray for you @cathole953 that you find peace and guidance. This is but a season in your life and all seasons eventually pass. God be with you fren.