Day 21, “no sugar, no dairy” fast

For years, my panic buttons were pushed quite effectively. Anxiety and panic attacks wreaked havoc in my early adult years and then again through menopause. But lately, I can say with freedom, I have found relief. Yet the panic buttons can resurface when you least expect. Just when you think you are exempt, Whammy! Even if you have no panic buttons, be on guard! Have a plan in place! Know what you will do when you feel even the slightest angst!

Today, I had to drive to Fayetteville. That is something I would rather not do, and since the hubby works in Fayetteville, I usually ride along with him so that I do not have to make the drive myself. But this time, I had a doctor’s appointment scheduled for the afternoon, and I preferred to avoid his full workday. I normally would schedule appointments on Fridays because he only works until noon on those days. But when I asked for an appointment on a Friday, the soonest they could get me in would be June. So, I took the first available opening which turned out to be today, Monday afternoon.

Wouldn’t you know it? that antagonist, the devil, decided to do a little poking to see if he could push my panic buttons. He wanted me to stop and think about my fears! But I was ready!

I . . .

• Breathed in peppermint oil
• recited 2 Timothy 1:7: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind!
• sang my favorite hymn

Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.

• And prayed: Dearest Father in heaven, most holy is your name. I pray for your kingdom to come soon, and your will to always be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give me exactly what I need today. Take my every thought captive, Dear Heavenly Father, as I meditate on YOUR POWER and LOVE to meet this trial. Forgive me when I stumble. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Our greatest weapon is available to us through prayer, and reciting God’s Word! Why do we not turn to it in the peaceful days so when challenging days come, we are prepared? The Apostle Peter alerts us: Be clear-headed! Be ALERT! your adversary the devil is on the prowl just like an intimidating lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). So, put on the full armor of God so you can STAND against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

Pushing my PEACE button! 😊