despair

I have been dealing with anxiety for a number of years but only did it manifest physical pains in the last couple years. For some reason in the last month these physical pains have gotten worse and worse. Today I was at a movie with a friend and it came on so strong I thought it was the end. I've tried so hard over the years to deal with and manage this but it seems so hopeless now at this time it is at its worse. Even as I write this the pain and discomfort overwhelms me with hopelessness. The trouble is not that the pain hurts so bad, it doesn't, but its the location and feeling of the pain. Often it is in my chest and left arm and leaves my face flushed. In the past the doctors told me it it was nothing. Even so the location of the pain scares me every time it comes on. During these episodes when I am struck with fear I question my faith. I wonder to myself, why am I so afraid? Don't I belong to God? I trust in Jesus for salvation, why then do I fear the very thought of the possibility of death? I'm so discouraged, I have no one to turn to or talk to. Its a beautiful day outside and I can't even enjoy it. I feel like I want to cry but the tears don't come. There seems to be no relief or release. God seems silent and distant. What do I do?

I am lifting you up in prayer as I write. I pray that God will heal you of this terrible affliction and that your pain will be eased. I pray that He will comfort you and hold you in His arms and give you peace. I pray that He will strengthen you for the path you are on. I pray that He will show you the end result of this affliction.

I am thinking of Paul stating that he was given a "thorn in his side". Our pain and suffering do not come from God, but from living in a fallen world, through the choices we make, or both. However, He does promise that He works everything to the good of those who love Him. Often, we are closest to God when we are at our lowest and weakest point. That is why I pray that He give you a glimpse of the good He is working in you!

I would also suggest that you seek out a bible-based church, and request that the minister and elders pray over you, laying on hands and annointing you, as stated in James:

James 5:14
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Will He heal you? Eventually, in His good timing. That is why I pray that He give you strength and peace for the journey.

Now, the nurse in me has to come out. I have always believed that chest pain, especially as you describe it, is related to the heart unless it is exhaustibly proven elsewise. Have you been completely worked up by a cardiologist? Have you taken nitroglycerin when the pain comes? Just as anxiety can mimic anginal pain, so can heart problems and angina result in anxiety!

Enigma, you are never alone! The Lord is closest to those who are suffering. Don't give up! We love you! I think my mom and dad's testimony would help uplift you. Go to my webpage, blog site to read it. They were in similar circumstances.

iamnotashamedthelist.com

You need to go to the Dr's and get a complete check up. There is help for your condiction, even thou we pray we need to get to the root of the problem. Also, go to a Christian counselor, this would help you.

I would be praying for you, and I close with
"God has not given up the spirit of fear but the Spirit of love, the Spirit of peace and a Sound mind".
You are going to be OK.

I appreciate your prayers and concerns. Right now I'm just struggling to find a will and direction to proceed. I don't know if I can force myself to go see a doctor again, as they have turned me away in the past with no more answers then when I went in. My family is also no help as they seemed to be more annoyed then concerned. Its hard having no one to turn to. God is my first, last and only hope. I just hope he manifests Himself in my life in some way, I would be eternally grateful. I guess I'm just waiting on Him.

You are in my heart and prayers. I too have struggled with chronic to severe pain. I have spent many nights crying out to God for help. Most mornings I awaken to pain that fills my eyes with tears and I struggle just to get out of bed. I can tell you God is faithfull . It seemed to take forever but he answered my plea. He heard my cry. I thought he never would but he is faithful. Some was answered in small steps and some in large. Continue to wait apon him as he keeps his promises and never tires. His gifts are more beatiful that you can imagine and well worth the wait. Trust, he has already revealed it to your spirit. I know that you may say Ive heard this before, others have said this but why not me? I have said the same. He will be faithful. I still live with all the same pain and other health issues but now it all seems so unimportant. Because of Jesus his spirit is so much stronger than any of my difficulties. Jesus may heal you in body or in spirit but both are wonderful.One of my favorite scriptures is from psalms, Let the morning bring me word of your unending love for I have put my faith in you. Sometimes it is not about what we live with but the streangth and love to overcome it. I will keep you in my prayers, God bless. pickles

Update:

I've been following up on some health issue from the past and I think I possible have a heital hernia or a weak esophageal sphincter muscle. There are a lot of nerves in the esophagus and this could be a source of these pains. I've been trying to keep track of when I experience them and they seem to occur during moments of acid reflux at times. Unfortunately over the years I've grown so use to the acid reflux that I don't even notice it. In any case its possible they are linked. However I didn't make the connection until just recently because I was deterred by doctors in the past. But they were not thourough in theyre testing. I have tried many medications over the years and diet changes with no success. I figured I just had to live with it, until just recently when the discomfort is so much that it affects my everyday life. Thanks again for your prayers. Please continue to do so as I plan to seek specialty doctors to see if I can get it taken care of. Thank you and God bless.

enigma- i have prayed for you and i hope you are better soon! after reading -iamnotashamed- and -pickles- response, there is nothing more to say - these two wonderful people said it all! God loves you and He is there! God Bless!

I had the exact same thing and feared death. I had chest pains and the doctors couldn't do anything but tell me I had costochronditis which you just take painkillers for. I don't have it anymore but I know how scary and frustrating it is. I shall pray for you

P.S my family and friends treated me like a hypochondriac which was horrible.

Thank you Maye & Jenesis.

Jenesis; I checked out your costochondritis, I do have some symptoms of that condition but mine also radiates to my left arm. The doctors I went to in the past ruled out heart conditions, gave me some reflux pills and sent me on my merry way. Years later I still have it of course. My family also treated me like a hypocondriac and even went so far as to tell me they didn't want to hear about it anymore. So I have talked to noone about it for years and suffered quietly. I'm currently trying to get in touch with a friend who had the same symptoms as I. He had a surgery to correct his. I'll check back periodically to update. Thanks again.