By Victoria Ostrosky
We all know about King David. The shepherd who became King and defeated Goliath with a single stone. He also left behind the most beloved psalms in mankind’s history. He was described as a ‘man after God’s own heart’ for a reason. He endured much heartache and loss, enriching us with his deeply honest prayers.
Monica Guajardo and her husband moved to Santa Rosa Beach in July of 2024. Two years earlier they were living in San Antonio. Her elderly parents became ill, and she watched as first her mother, then six weeks later her father, entered heaven. She nursed them as their health deteriorated. Monica began feeling overwhelmed with attending two funerals weeks apart, then clearing out her parents’ home and their belongings, with all the accompanying memories. She thought she was doing fine and holding up well.
“When I got back to San Antonio, I had an anxiety attack.” She was shocked when the doctor at urgent care recommended a psychiatrist and medication. Being a nurse, she balked at the idea, but at her husband’s insistence, she agreed. “I found an incredible psychiatrist and was put on medication for about a year to help my brain come down.”
Anxiety attacks and feeling overwhelmed are your body’s way of telling you to seek help. “It’s ok to see a doctor and counselor. They have ways to help you with tools and techniques to help reorganize your brain.” Monica learned the importance of prayer and soaking in the Word. Her grief at times was debilitating, but she learned that grief is an essential part of the healing process.
The Psalmist David lamented in Psalm 43:5: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.”
Journaling, reading the Bible, making lists and memorizing verses, then repeating them to herself, made the difference in Monica’s recovery. Meditation and memorizing scripture cleared her brain, and hiding the Word in her heart gave her the tools she needed. “During episodes, I would go to my prayer closet and quote scriptures I had memorized. I didn’t feel it at the time during meditation and prayer, but I believed in faith.” Those promises in scripture that God would bring peace in times of trouble rang true for Monica. “God came through and brought peace to get through it.”
Who else can accurately express the pain of loss and fear, but someone with intimate knowledge? David, in the first two verses of Psalm 77 says, “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; In the night my hand is stretched out without wearying…”. But it doesn’t end there. Verses 11 and 12 follow closely. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
Thankfulness and gratefulness are essential components of healing. Monica expresses it this way: “Healing comes through knowing the Word, learning about God and His nature and getting the mind of Christ. You end up becoming so much stronger. It’s not just what we go through, but it’s about helping others know they’re not alone.”
For anyone experiencing anxiety and grief, Monica encourages you to reach out for help. “Get the support you need. Go to church, read the Word. Get that therapist. Anxiety causes anxiety. You can get a vicious cycle.” Her solution is to enter your prayer closet and read the verses you have written in your journal – remind yourself of God’s love for you and His faithfulness.
Monica’s prescription? “Find the joy. Keep a gratitude list. Thanksgiving is the secret. It will give you a balanced mind.”
One of her favorite verses is Philippians 4:6-7: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
You can listen to Monica Guajardo’s entire interview and many other incredible stories on the weekly Road to Redemption radio show and podcast at www.rtrdestiny.com.
Author: Sowal Editor
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