#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.

Sweaty palms, rapid breathing, tightness in my chest, the feeling of not being able to get enough air. That is what I feel when a panic attack comes over me. Experiencing these random attacks over the years of my life has awakened me to a new appreciation for anyone dealing with any kind of fear or anxiety.

Jeremiah 46:27 reminds me that I do not have to dwell in the fear and I do not have to be dismayed and discouraged. I am a child of God. He is going to heal me from this panic, whether my healing comes here on this earth or in Heaven. He will make me complete.

God will heal me from the captivity of fear.

When that healing occurs, peace and quiet will cover my body. Until that time of total healing, I will continue to pray and ask for His help and guidance to endure.

I truly believe that each experience in life provides an opportunity to show His love and grace. By sharing my story of anxiety and depression, I have been able to help others.

Years ago, shame prevented me from sharing about my anxiety and depression. Once I starting speaking with others about my situation, numerous people shared they were going through similar things, but, shame prevented them from speaking about their struggles. People at church and at work and even neighbors began asking me how to find help. God has provided outlets for conversations that have helped others and helped me, too in many ways.

There are times when we don’t know what another person is dealing with, and we may pass judgment on that person. Yet, truly we are actually judging ourselves when we decide what someone else should or should not feel.

Medical and spiritual help are definitely keys to feeling better for me and for others. I know that I can’t deal with this on my own. I believe God gives medical professionals the knowledge they need to help people.

Prayer and sharing with others has truly helped me.

What a wonderful blessing to know that a day will come when peace will reign in my heart and mind and in this world! Until that time of complete peace, I will rest in His love and glory because knowing that God holds me in HIs loving arms is the best feeling in the world.

Melissa Henderson is a writer who lives in Mechanicsville, Virginia. She loves to write Christian fiction and is working on her first novel.