Pastor Bob

My late grandfather (I called him “Papaw”) would say these words to me every time I saw him: “Bobby, this world’s in a mess!” He wasn’t wrong, and even though he passed away in 2020, the world, contaminated by sin, is still in a mess.   In these turbulent and uncertain times, anxiety has become an unwelcome companion for many. The global challenges we face can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. Across all social media platforms and on the news, violence and war are front and center, with each post or story worse than the one before. However, as Christians, we have access to a powerful source of comfort and strength – God’s Word!

 Trust in God’s Promises

One of the keys to combat anxiety is to trust in God’s promises. Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) encourages us to “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 surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

The peace referenced in this verse is not superficial or peace resulting from an absence of conflict. On the contrary, peace from God is supernatural, not superficial.

In my life, I have witnessed trials, tribulations, and tragedies, but since becoming a believer, one of my greatest gifts has been receiving God’s supernatural peace. Decades ago, my twin sister Becky passed away on New Year’s Eve. It was sudden, heart-wrenching, and unbelievable. I was only twenty-four years old, yet I was tasked with conducting her funeral service. Never in my wildest dreams or worst nightmares could I have imagined preaching at my twin sister’s funeral. And make no mistake, I did so not in my strength; rather, despite my weakness, the Lord provided the wherewithal and much-needed peace to accomplish the task at hand.

Seek Refuge in Prayer

If you recall, prayer is a prerequisite to receiving God’s peace. A moment ago, we saw in Philippians 4:6-7 that in, and despite everything, we are to pray. Show me a Christian full of peace, and I will see a praying Christian. Prayer is a powerful tool and resource that allows us to cast our anxieties upon God. Why should we share our burdens and anxieties with God? For starters, He loves YOU and cares about YOU! In 1 Peter 5:7 (CSB), we are reminded to “cast all your cares on him because he cares for you.” Further, Psalm 55:22 (CSB) instructs us to “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” We can find solace and strength through prayer as we seek God’s guidance and comfort during trying times. Instead of seeking the world’s guidance through anxious times, allow the God who spoke the universe into existence to be your sustenance.

Meditate on Scripture

Often, during anxious and worrisome seasons, meditating on Scripture can be one of the most effective means of relief. But meditating on Scripture is not the same as Eastern meditation, such as experienced in yoga, where the goal is to empty your mind. Instead, when we meditate on Scripture, we focus on Christ and fill our minds with all that is promised in Scripture from our Heavenly Father. Psalm 119:165 (CSB) says, “Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.” The “instruction referenced in this verse is Scripture. Spending time in God’s Word can bring peace to our hearts, reminding us of His guidance and love. One of the clearest examples of the difference between one who mediates on and finds delight in Scripture and one who does not is found in Psalm 1.

Psalm 1:1–2 (CSB)

¹How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers!

²Instead, his delight is in the Lord’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.

Find Strength in Community

The Bible emphasizes the importance of Christian community. No other group elicits the same feelings, blessings, and strength found in Christian fellowship and community. Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB) encourages us to “consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” Being part of a supportive Christian community can help ease anxiety by providing fellowship and encouragement. I have always found that regularly worshipping with those at my church does wonders for my anxiety and mental stability and recharges me to face the upcoming week. They truly are my family. And this cannot be replicated via “online church.” Seeing, in person, their smiling faces fills my cup to the brim.

Embrace God’s Sovereignty

Anxiety often stems from the fear of the unknown and the uncontrollable; the most basic definition of anxiety is worrying about something that has not yet occurred (or might not ever happen!). Isaiah 41:10 (CSB) reassures us with the words, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”

When we realize God is in control, it should ease our minds and bring us comfort and security. Many things are out of our control, such as our past, how others act and treat us, what happens daily, etc. But here is the thing: nothing is beyond God’s purview; he controls all. Cling to promises, such as Deuteronomy 31:8 (CSB), “The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to anxiety. The Bible is replete with reminders to be thankful in all circumstances.  1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CSB) says, “Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Even in harrowing and turbulent times, we can pause and thank God for all He has done, is presently doing, and what He will do for us. Reading a disturbing article concerning the Hamas attacks on Israeli citizens prompted me to pause, lift my head from the article, and focus on my children playing nearby. At that moment, I thanked the Lord for my family, life, and all He has provided. Gratefulness can smother anxiety if you let it; I let it at that moment, and it felt good.

Conclusion

In these troubled times, anxiety can be a formidable foe. However, as Christians, we have a unique source of strength and comfort in God’s Word. By trusting in God’s promises, seeking refuge in prayer, meditating on Scripture, finding strength in Christian community, embracing God’s sovereignty, and practicing gratitude, we can deal with anxiety and find peace in the midst of the storm.

As you navigate life’s challenges, remember the words of Jesus in John 14:27 (CSB): “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” Trust in His peace, and let it calm your anxious heart during these troubled times. Starting tonight, read Psalm 4:8, and rest in our Heavenly Father’s safe and secure arms.

Psalm 4:8 (CSB)

⁸ I will both lie down and sleep in peace,

For you alone, Lord, make me live in safety.