When the Noise in Your Head Gets Loud - Your Nightly Prayer - August 18

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When the Noise in Your Head Gets Loud

Your Nightly Prayer

TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

SOMETHING TO PONDER

When I was 23 years old, I had one of the worst panic attacks I’ve ever had in my life. I was coasting down the highway on my way to work when all of a sudden, my eyes got blurry. As my heart started to pound, so did the thunder above my head. Before I knew it, I was coasting through a major rainstorm as vasovagal overtook me.

Just minutes away from my work, I truly thought I might die. As fear, anxiety, and panic swept over me, the noise in my head grew.

What if I hit a car?

What if I wreck?

What if I swerve?

What if my heart beats out of my chest?

What if I have a heart attack?

Notice how all of my thoughts started with “what if?”

By the time I made it to work, I was drenched in sweat. I was shaky, nervous, and overwhelmed. But I was also thankful. Because I was alive. Because God had gotten me through that moment. Because all those thoughts in my mind were just thoughts.

For many of us with anxiety, our thoughts can seem so real. When you pair that with legitimate physical health issues, the worries only continue to multiply. But the more you think about something, the truer it becomes, regardless of its validity, and that’s good news today. Why? Because in 2 Corinthians 10:5, we’re told that through a relationship with Jesus, we have the power to demolish these anxious thoughts.

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

The good news about this verse is that God and His Word are alive, active, and powerful. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can tear down these lies. We can take them captive and make them obey the Lord. The bad news is that we live in a fallen world, and believing in Jesus doesn’t automatically mean we will never struggle or be anxious. Quite the opposite, in fact, according to John 16:33.

Friends, you and I may continue to struggle with anxiety and the loudness of our minds. Especially for those of us with clinical anxiety or other mental health concerns, calming the noise isn’t cured by following Jesus. But following Jesus does remind us that He’s with us in these places. And we can still continue to show up and trust Him as we fight. He has the power to give us a sound mind, even when we continue to struggle.

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus, when the noise in my head gets loud, help me to look to you. Show me what it practically looks like to trust you and how I can lay down these anxious worries. When I’m overwhelmed, provide your peace. When I’m scared, remind me I’m not alone. When the thoughts won’t stop, show me that you’re greater than the worries that try to steal my life. I’m so thankful for the gift of your Word, Lord. Help me to take my thoughts captive today. I love you, Jesus. Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

What are some “what if” statements you wrestle with? Write these down and ask the Lord to help you navigate which are legitimate concerns and which are just your mind growing loud.
What does it look like to practically take your thoughts captive? Make a list of some worries you have. Then, write down a Bible verse to counter each one. Ask the Lord to provide people, safe spaces, medication, therapy, and any needed solution to help you aid your concerns.
Do you know someone who struggles with a mind that gets loud? Send them a loving and encouraging text today. Offer to pray with them and validate their struggles.

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/skynesher

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

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