It’s become apparent during the Covid19 pandemic that life as we know it can change right before our eyes. Who would have thought that overnight we’d be watching the panic develop across our country? So when you’re watching a crazy situation develop what can you do to stay calm? Go to God’s word to overcome fear and anxiety.
Honestly, I poked a little fun at one of my adult daughters who said “you need to go get water for your house Mom!” I mean really…was the water just going to disappear? I have a water filter in my refrigerator and water will be readily available. When the panic buying began, I was in disbelief, both in the reaction of fear and of selfishness. Who would have thought toilet paper would be a hot commodity?! For a quick minute I wondered…”am I under reacting?” I had to check in with God…Well really, I prayed and found some peace. The Lord does not want us to have an anxious heart or troubled mind.
First, I realized that the fear I was beginning to feel was due to me watching the behavior of the people around me…and maybe, just maybe those people don’t know my God. I had to take my eyes off of them and put them right back on my Savior. When I focused on Jesus, His promises and His character, the the ensuing fear of the unknown calmed. Ephesians 6:17 tells us that the word of God is our weapon, I had to use God’s word as my weapon. I used the following verses to calm myself and overcome the fear and anxiety I was facing.
When I am afraid I will trust in you. –Psalm 56:3
Fear or anxiety come in so many forms and are manifested in both mental, and physical aspects. David had the right idea when it came to how to overcome fear and anxiety. Whatever you are experiencing, know that you can put your trust in God, knowing that no matter what your circumstances, good or bad, He is in control and has your best interest at heart is comforting.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and of a sound mind. – 2Timothy 1:7.
The feelings of fear and anxiety that we’re feeling are NOT from the Lord. Just acknowledging this is a powerful statement. God has not given us a spirit of fear, he tells us to Do Not Fear often.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
This pretty much says it all….God knows. And it all has to do with a future and a hope…If I trust Him then a future and a hope of good (not evil) is his plan for me even if I cannot see it. I know that God is working behind the scenes at all times and knows the outcome.
Through prayer and thankfulness, God will give us peace when we need it. Phillippians 4:6-7
I gave this it’s own heading, separate from the two connected verses below, because I felt like this is the instructions we need…it’s right there in our instruction book for life. (the bible) If you want peace it will be achieved through prayer and thankfulness. There are many, many verses and stories of how God’s people struggled and survived through some pretty dire situations. When we read those stories it reminds us how God rescues His people. Through prayer we can give our fears, anxiety and situations to God. He’s at work on our behalf, we can do any footwork necessary and trust that He is also working to bring His people relief. Find reason’s to be thankful this is the solution for contentment in any situation
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you – Phillippians 4:8-9
Instead of focusing on the situation that may look bleak, focus on the good, and what you have to be grateful for then the God of Peace will be with you. There are plenty of situations of people helping people that we can both think about and emulate. I think we are all looking for some sort of peace in this situation. Change your focus, put on a different pair of glasses and see and be the good in the world.
If you’re not a follower of Christ, the first step to an anxiety-free mind is to trust your life to Jesus Christ. For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whomever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16. Once you’ve taken that step, it’s important to fix your thoughts on Jesus and the promises He has given us to trust in Him.
Remember in order to live in faith over fear declare the promises God has for you and to believe that he is with you in times of need. Pray over your family and house with those promises and focus on the good in the world. This post may help you with a tangible task to get your mind on being grateful.
In the end I hope that you will be encouraged and reminded of the faithful and loving and oh so mighty God we serve!
