PMS sucks. The rage, anxiety, irritability, and depression can take you down. As if that’s not enough, we have the added layer of feeling terrible about ourselves for what we’ve said or done during this time in our cycle. This is where the enemy gets a foothold.
Self-Deprecation
Our inner critic sneaks up on us, starting with a whisper and getting louder through the day. Your attitude spirals into a negative space, especially about yourself.
“Nice move, idiot. Why did you say that? Why did you do that? What were you thinking?”
Shame
After a meltdown or explosion of emotions (usually towards the people you love most), you don’t just feel bad about your actions but about who you are as a person, leading to “I am” statements:
“I am terrible. I am a disappointment. I am worthless.”
Guilt
Not attacking your personhood but continuously reminding yourself of what you’ve said and done—difficulties forgiving yourself even after others have already forgiven you.
“Remember what happened yesterday? Remember how you freaked out? Remember how you thought you were a “good Christian” but acted demon-possessed?”
All the tactics above involve how we think and talk to ourselves, and it’s during these vulnerable times when we are most at risk for spiritual attack.
Here are some proactive tips to plan for that fun time of the month:
Track your cycle
I used to get caught off guard when my mind would go south, but once I started tracking my cycle, I could anticipate this vulnerable time and plan ahead. They have all sorts of apps for this, or you can follow it on your Google calendar, which I do.
Be aware of the company you keep
The people in our lives can trigger certain feelings about ourselves. Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who speak life over you. Hang with the negative Nancy’s another time.
Fill Your Mind with Truth
-Read the word
-Listen to worship music or Christian podcasts
-Watch sermons
Proactively doing these things will keep your mind focused so you know it’s not the truth when your thoughts, emotions, or the enemy spit lies at you.
Why does this matter?
The enemy wants nothing more than to convince us that we are not who God says we are. But, we need to understand that nothing (our actions, words, explosions, meltdowns, feelings, thoughts, or what anyone else says about you) will EVER change that.
Our Part is:
-To acknowledge our humanity.
-Ask for forgiveness when we mess up.
-Accept the gift of grace we’ve been given. Jesus’ death on the cross solidifies our identity, which means we are forever Daughters of the King.
What do you struggle most with during PMS, and what steps will you incorporate during your next cycle?