In a world where we can get information at the swipe of a finger, it is easy to give in to your anxious thoughts. Ever changing news stories, fake news, and incorrect information creates a sense of panic especially in the current situation we are in. Even before this pandemic, the Holy Spirit was prompting me to write about worry. I believe my pre-existing blog content calendar was a huge nudge from The Spirit to dive into The Truth. He knew this would be beneficial for believers and non-believers and I am just following suit.
As a person who suffers from anxiety and has kids who also suffer from anxiety, The bible has so much wisdom when it comes to worry. As the world around us is acting on their fears, we, as a family, are trying our best to focus on truth, facts, and His Word. This is definitely not easy, kids have lots of questions, and most of the time we don’t have all the answers. I am thankful that I serve a mighty God and I can lean on His Truths for our lives.
Worry
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” – Philippians 4:6-7
This is a very popular verse about worry and its straightforwardness allows Christ followers to redirect their attention to trusting that God is in control. I can remember hearing about this verse as a child and never really understood why it was so important. Now as an adult, this verse is a cornerstone to helping me not focus on my ever present worry.
How is that possible when the world seems in a state of panic?
Know that not everyone believes in a higher power. Also understand that as humans, we tend to depend on our own willpower when it comes to overcoming struggles, obstacles, and fears. While we are able to stand strong in our own power for a short time, our own desires, struggles, obstacles, and fears usually take over again.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. – Proverbs 3:5-7
Christ calls us to trust in His ways and to not our knowledge of how the world works. Believe me, this is such a hard thing to do BUT if we look at life through His Word. We know that we aren’t supposed to know all the answers. Moreover, sometimes knowing all the answers is more harm than good. Hence everyone’s current state of panic. We “know” everything with the help of social media and the new, so we are reacting to all that we “know.”
Thoughts can be deceiving
If I truly trusted my thoughts and emotions, I would have ran for Antarctica by now. Surely COVID 19 can’t spread in that environment. My mind is a very scary place, as I tell my husband often. It has the craziest thoughts moving through it all the time. It is easy to give into what our mind tells us but know thoughts and feelings aren’t facts.
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.
– 2 Corinthians 10:5
Yes, read that again. Thoughts and feelings aren’t facts. I will dive into that in my next post but for now, the only things that are true right now are scientific facts and God’s word. Know that while your mind is swirling with anxiety, worry, and fear – those feelings are not God given. Those feelings are from the Devil and it is his goal to steal, kill and destroy. He wants us to believe his lies and not the truth of Christ’s Word.
Turn your worry into worship
When the news stations are spewing ever changing information and I become overwhelmed by all the new statistics, I turn it off and listen to worship music. I’d love to share my latest favs.
Do you have a favorite worship song? I’d love for you to share it with me!
Virtual check ins
If you need help talking through your feelings and emotions, know that I am here for you. It is not easy to be in a mindset of peace but know that He can give you peace in the midst of the chaos.
Praying for you. Please pray for me and my family as well. We need all the prayer we can get.
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