Reasons to be anxious flood the news 24/7, especially now
That's true whether we live where Covid-19 is raging or just because we are stuck at home because of lockdown orders.
Yes, it's true and yes, it's bad--and no one can give us a timetable. Only statistics and warnings.
Time stretches out before us. Way out.
Add in anxiety over lost--or non-existent--wages, plus bills coming in and trying to stay calm in spite of all that. Some of us have a houseful of kids who keep yammering, "I'm bored!" Or we ache for our high school or college seniors who likely will miss out on what they've worked for and dreamed of for years. (So have we.)
What person who's breathing and has a brain wouldn't be anxious?
Yet all the while "The Experts" warn that anxiety and stress are bad for our health and could lessen our immunity, so we need to remain calm.
Here's some good news for a change
There is a way to drive out fear and find strength for each new day. Best of all, this remedy has been tested and tried countless times, with no ill effects.
The formula consists of only five simple ingredients and (insert drum roll here) this "Happiness Medicine" is yours for the taking.
Directions for use: Take in at least once a day and allow the formula to absorb slowly. Repeat as needed.
- Remind yourself who's really in charge
- Recount the ways God has blessed you in the past
- Recall his promises to be with you
- Relax and enjoy the life he has given you
- Remember who you are--and Whose you are
Best of all, you can do it all without leaving home. (Sorry, I can't promise any of the younger generation will pay attention, but not to worry. We all know when Mom and Dad are calm their children are less likely to be uptight and fearful.)
How could something so simple make any difference?
When life threatens to overwhelm us we often turn inward. Our minds fill with "what ifs" and "if onlys," as if we're being pulled down into darkness, down where fear lives.
A moment's reflection will remind us that pull doesn't come from our Friend and Redeemer Jesus Christ. Rather, it's the work of that tiresome old foe: the devil.
Satan will never quit trying, but Jesus Christ sets us free from bondage to the devil's siren song.
So Jesus said ... "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the the truth will set you free. ... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." --John 8:31-32, 36 ESV
Any time you feel that old pull downward, be armed and ready for battle
No matter how many uplifting books you read and how many terrific podcasts you listen to, it's well to have a stash of strength verses stored in your memory. Repeating them over and over to yourself will put starch in your spine.
Remember, if you put the Good Stuff in, you'll get the good stuff out.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." --Isaiah 41:10 ESV
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. --Psalm 23:4 ESV
Do 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 transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Nobody can tell us when life will settle down and Covid 19 will no longer dominate the news and our thoughts, but we need not quake in fear. In this situation as in all others, we are not on our own.
Make this your constant reminder: I am not on my own. I have Help.
Today. Tomorrow. And for all your life.
Trusting, too,
Lenore
