Can we agree? We have come through a season of fear. Fear of an unknown pandemic and all that it entailed. Uncertainty, death, disease led to fear for so many people causing anxious minds and hearts. Hopefully, that fear has quieted down, but in truth, there are many reasons to be fearful.

What is your biggest fear? Go ahead and name it. Once you acknowledge it, you can do something about it. For example, I remember when my mom was physically ill taking her into the memory unit of the nursing home because there were no nursing bed in other units. She was frightened seeing people her age losing their mind. It was sad and scary at the same time. Her mom did lose  her memory in old age and my mom was afraid it would happen to her. At the time, I didn’t minimize her fear. Instead, I acknowledged it and reassured her,  “It’s only a bed in a unit so they can care for you right now.” Then we named the fear. And we prayed. My reassuring voice and perspective helped her. We serve a God who can calm storms and our fears.

God created us and knows how we are wired. Because we are prone to fear, he tells us over and over, do not fear! Fear leads to anxiety. And that fear comes from fearful thoughts and at the root, a distrust in God. And even when we do give in to fear, Jesus doesn’t leave us stuck. No, he gives us what we need — His presence and reassurance. Then he asks us to cast our anxiety and burdens on Him. He reminds us over and over again that He has us in the palm of His hand.

Trouble is all around us, yet we are not to live in a state of anxiety and fear. We are to rise above it. Not panic! And not allow fear to overwhelm us and paralyze us. Instead, we are to exercise our faith which requires us to trust God who calls us to live fearlessly. He walks with us through anxiety, promising His presence as we get to the other side of it. So fight fear and anxiety with faith and do not allow unbelief to take hold in the form of doubt.  Mediate on the Word. Fill your mind with the mind of Christ.

Fear and anxiety are overcome by fixing your eyes upon Christ and keeping an eternal perspective. When we truly trust God, we can relax, knowing He orders our steps and promises His presence is with us through the difficulties of life. Redirect your anxiety to Christ and then serve others. Serving is an amazing way to take the focus off of self and onto others. Serving distracts an anxious mind and is good for the soul.

Today, be anxious about nothing, trusting God for your now, and your future.