Podcast: https://bit.ly/460bbRF
So what can we do about worry and fear? The Bible has plenty to say about the issue.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ~ Mat 6:31-33 ESV
[D]o not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
I realise that is easier to say than do, but Jesus and Paul seemed to think giving us these words would help us.
A great resource on this issue is The Anxiety Opportunity by Curtis Chang. Lori did the book as a class, and said it was practical and helpful.
Talking about you fears may or may not help. Sometimes expressing our fear helps us see things are not as bad as we fear. But rehearsing our fear might also make them even worse. A big part of how it plays out is about who we talk with. Talking with someone else given to worry will produce an unhealthily synergy. But a caring, person can help you feel calm and safe. If worry is crippling you, I’d suggest therapy or coaching.
It is usually a good idea to avoid things that feed your fear. If that means avoiding the news for a while, then do that. Or at least avoid the stories that trigger you. The verse after the Philippians passage above tells us to think on good things. We must be aware of the world around us, but God doesn’t want us to focus on the bad.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8 ESV
~ This is Paul, and I didn’t plan for this to run on 9/11.
Speaking of sources of fear, how many of you have a fire watch app on your phone?
The blue is our home. The fire, stared by lightning last night, is five miles upwind. They have it contained at just under an acre, be we got smoke from it all day. It’s a fear we have learned to live with. The app helps us know what is happening, which reduces the fear that comes with not knowing.
Image Credit: © Paul H Byerly created with ideogram.ai & Paul Byerly
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