Every day we can decide to choose faith over fear.
The world is changing unbelievably fast. Almost every day has some sort of “breaking news.” Unprecedented news of CoVid19 pandemic, economic unpredictability, and political uncertainty in the election year has brought more tension into daily life. Even simple tasks, like going grocery shopping, create stress.
Each day seems to bring a new reason for seeds of fear to grow. We wonder, “How can we manage our lives when there are so many reasons to fear the present and the future?”
Fear makes problems larger than life, sending out tentacles of the “what if” question. If we ponder the “what ifs,” fear can grow out of control.
We have a choice to shrink back with timidity and worry, or choose to look to the Lord for His peace and strength.
We can look to the One “Who is” sovereign in times of uncertainty.
The Lord is our peace in the middle of the chaos.
We can look to Jesus Christ, the One who is the same, yesterday and today and forever.
God’s Word offers solid hope for us to stand strong in faith over fear.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have called by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deut. 31:8
Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
As you read these verses, I pray that the Word of God will become implanted within in you as a secret strength.
Meditating on and memorizing the Word strengthens our faith over fear.
Additional Ways to Keep Calm and not Fear
- Limit your news intake. Watching too much news is overwhelming.
- Limit usage of social media. Scrolling through social media can provide information, laughs, or prayer points. Too much social media consumption creates fear or comparison.
- Be creative: God created us with imagination. Color, draw, write, play an instrument, bake…do whatever brings you the satisfaction of creating.
- Breathe fresh air; go on walks.
- Play praise music.
- Create a prayer journal.
- Complete a project that that you’ve been putting off.
- Call or text your friends to check in on them.
- Encourage someone with a note.
- Read the Bible everyday for greater peace.
Faith in the Lord gives us a positive focus in uncertain times. May He bless you as you look to Him.
Carolyn P Webb
Thanks Nan. Well said. I have been doing most of those things. Maybe this week I can hone in on a project I have been putting off (so many to choose from).
Nancy Kay Grace
Thanks, Carol! What else can you add to the list?
szjsings
Amen! How can I keep from singing?!?!
My life flows on in endless song above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real though distant song that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?
What though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth, it’s living!
What though the darkness round me close, songs in the night it’s giving!
No storm can shake my inmost calm while to that rock I’m clinging.
Since I believe that love abides, how can I keep from singing?
When tyrants tremble when they hear the bells of freedom ringing.
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?
In prison cell, in dungeon dark, our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends hold courage in their heart, how can I keep from singing?