I'm Kelly Ann Snyder. Welcome to Living Perfectly Loved, the podcast created to encourage, equip, and inspire you to live free from fear and full of joy, secure in God's perfect love. If you're longing to stand firm in Christ amidst the storms of life with a faith deeply rooted in God's perfect love, stop anxiety and fear from stealing your joy and controlling your life, shine brightly and love fearlessly, confident in who God uniquely created and called you to be, then this faith-inspiring podcast, full of practical help and spiritual tools, is for you. You're listening to Season One, Episode two Call upon the Lord for help. brought to you by Living Perfectly Loved Ministries and my new book living Perfectly Loved: A Christian's 12-Step Journey to Freedom from the Grip of Anxiety and Fear. For all recommended resources, products, and freebies discussed in this episode, please see the notes for this episode. I'm happy to announce that in each episode this season, I will be sharing an excerpt from my book containing each of the 12 steps the Lord used to deliver me from the grip of anxiety and fear. In this way, you'll be getting a sneak peek into my book, Living Perfectly Loved. I'm so glad you've decided to join me. Subscribe to my email list today@kellyandsnyder.com and you will be kept in the loop with all book and ministry-related announcements I make, and be eligible to receive all free resources I create and share with my subscribers. Visit my website at kellyandsnyder.com to learn more about Living Perfectly Loved Ministries, including direct links to purchase my book and information that can help you take the next step forward in your faith journey. If you haven't yet listened to my podcast trailer, I'd like to invite you to do so after listening to this episode. All right. Let's get started! The following is an excerpt from step one of my book. Living perfectly loved titled call upon the Lord for help. Alone. I sat in the darkness of my bedroom, bearing a happiness. I could not shake. anxiety, tightly grip, my chest, and a dark cloud of depression loomed over me. I know I can't give up. I told myself. But I can't keep going. Rocky myself on the tattered carpet on my bedroom floor with tears streaming down my face. I was utterly desperate for escape from the prison of my mind. The pain gouge so deep, it felt almost more physical than emotional. I had reached my breaking point and in my tormented state, I cried out into the darkness. I just can't do this anymore. I want to die. These thoughts came to me at my darkest time. When I couldn't see a way out of the prison of anxiety and fear I was in. Perhaps you felt this way too. You've kept in it. but you found it's not enough to free you from the grip, anxiety and fear have on you. Believe me. I know the feelings of frustration. Anguish and hopelessness, like come from struggling with anxiety and fear for so long. I know the tears you've cried because I've cried them too. I have felt the consistent tight grip on my chest. That makes it hard to breathe freely. And I've nearly collapsed from complete exhaustion. At the effort it takes to keep fighting anxiety day after day. I've experienced stabbing pain in the pit of my stomach and the digestive upset that follows whenever my theory is triggered. I know the torment and debilitating pain that living with anxiety and fear causes. Emotionally, spiritually and physically. However I can also say because of how the Lord has since rescued me. I know the peace healing and freedom that is found in knowing and relying on God's unfailing. Perfect love. And living in full surrender to his plans and purposes for my life. This is how I can. We can now say. To you with confidence. That God. has made a way for you to overcome anxiety and fear. Hand in hand with him. The question is. Are you ready to take a hold of God's hand now and begin your journey out of living in fear toward living perfectly loved. The Bible says in Psalms 1 21 verses one through two. I lived at my eyes to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Jesus was with me when I could not find my way out of the darkness. In my darkest hour, when I called upon his name, Jesus came to my rescue. His light broke through. My savior was right there fighting for me, his light shining within me and all around me. Commanding the darkness to flee. Jesus is with you now, too. He will lead you out of the darkness of living in fear. And into the light of living perfectly loved in relationship with him. It will take time. But by calling upon the Lord for help. You can begin the process with him. Let's pray. Heavenly father, thank you for sending your son Jesus, so that we do not have to live in darkness, but can live to enjoy the light of life. I pray for the one listening right now, who wants to begin her journey out of the darkness and into the light of your love. Please take a hold of her hand. And remind her not to be afraid. Help her to be humble and accept the help you offer in whatever form it comes. Draw her closer to you. Show her your deliverance. Guide her in your truth and restore the joy of her salvation to her. All our hope is in you. In Jesus' name? I pray. Amen. Thanks for listening to this episode of the Living Perfectly Loved podcast. While it's true that God is love and we are perfectly loved by Him, we all struggle at times to live like this true. While we should strive to grow in Christ likeness, we can rest in knowing God loves us because of who He is, not because of who we are or anything we could ever do for Him. In Jesus Christ, we are enough! Remember, you don't have to be perfect to live perfectly loved. You have always been and will always be a completely forgiven, fully accepted, deeply loved, daughter the King. Beautiful friend, His grace is for you. Please subscribe to my podcast now and stay tuned for another episode of Living Perfectly Loved. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He shine His face on you and be gracious to you. May He turn His face toward you and give you peace, in Jesus' name.