“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Coffee cups in hand, they find a quiet corner table.
“I feel so worried,” she says, holding her head in her hands. “My husband’s company is laying off again.”
“I know,” laments her friend. “The economy looks bleak right now – not to mention the world situation. Everything feels so uncertain and scary. Sometimes I just don’t know where to turn.”
Fear envelopes us like a dark cloud of impending doom. We’re paralyzed in its grip as our worries close in on us. There’s no security in sight and nothing we can do about it. Everyone’s on edge as we spin out of control.
It’s tough making decisions while we’re staring at the headlines. Perhaps we should be glad it isn’t our job to run the universe. Things may look genuinely bad right now, but God works everything for good for those who love him. He just needs a little time to get all the pieces in place.
Fear of the future leads to despair in the present. It steals the hope we desperately need. Genuine hope isn’t just our own wishful thinking. It comes from God. Our eyes may be unable to see this hope, but it is always with us.
Ultimately, Christ’s love carries us to safety. The nearer we draw to him, the more our love increases. Just as we only see our lover when in a close embrace, all we perceive is God’s presence as we hold him close to us. And so our fears melt like wax.
If you’ve never been afraid, you aren’t human. Try these calming suggestions:
·Acknowledge your fear. Difficult things happen.
·Don’t be distracted by rumors and sensational headlines. Keep perspective.
·Give your fears to God. He can carry you through.
Most of our worries never materialize. So remember this sage advice. Don’t be anxious about anything but in every situation pray and give thanks. Even though your world may be collapsing, be steady. Stay the course with God.
