How to Deal with Fear and Anxiety in a Time of Trouble

Things might be changing for the worse, but God is unchanging…

JIM MCCRAIGH

FEB 10

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Unprecedented fear and anxiety are gripping many in our country these days.

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and the current election cycle, many people have come to feel isolated from friends and family. Suicides and drug overdoses are on the rise. Vaccine injuries, health concerns, and deaths seem to go on and on. Money troubles due to business closures and job losses have affected many, especially those in blue states. Crime is on the rise and immigration is out of control.

The visceral hatred of one’s neighbor abounds because of simple differences of opinion. Politically motivated violence is on the increase.

Lies about almost everything are now commonplace in the media, schools, and even the government. Truth and serenity are in short supply.

Our world seems to be spinning out of control…

Throughout life, we will always face situations that will cause us fear and anxiety. But, in his letter to the Philippians, Paul assures us that we can find peace in every circumstance. While we may not be able to prevent all fearful or anxious thoughts from entering our minds, we can practice right-thinking when they do…

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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 4:7 NASB).

The fact is that God knows everything and is in control of it all (Psalm 68). When the disciples became fearful in a storm, Jesus first rebuked their lack of faith, then ceased the wind and waves (Matthew 8:23-27). God is constantly working behind the scenes in every area of our lives, even when there appears to be no visible evidence of it.

Faith is confidence in a God who loves us, who knows our thoughts, and who cares about our deepest needs. The more we learn about God of the Bible, the more we can see Him working in our lives, and the stronger our faith will grow.

Why?

Our ability to overcome fear and worry is based on faith, not something that we can do or say. Faith comes as a gift from God through His Holy Spirit…

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NASB)
“26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 28 You heard that I said to you, ‘I go away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced because I go to the Father, for the Father is greater than I”. (John 14:26-28 NASB)

Our world may be changing for the worse, but God is unchanging…

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)

This is more than overly simplistic Bible-thumping, but an exhortation that we are to find our rest in Jesus the bedrock, and not in the things of this world which will always disappoint and confuse us!

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NASB)