“The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

LEARN

When I see this scripture I think not only who shall I fear but what shall I fear? 2020 has definitely brought it’s fair share of concerns. One of the difficult things to realize within our fallen world is that there are always going to be things we are concerned about. The Bible makes that pretty clear. Another thing it is clear about is what we do with our concerns and how we are called to not allow them to turn into worry. When a valid concern over something turns into worry we are falling into anxiety. We are no longer trusting that God is good and His plan is something we can have hope in no matter the circumstances. In the midst of genuine concerns this seems impossible, but apparently it is possible because that is exactly what God desires of us as He has let us know in His Word. The hard part is in figuring out how we are to go about not worrying. So here is the blunt answer. Devotion. We usually think not being anxious is an emotional problem, but it stems from lack of devotion. Are we devoted to believing the Bible over our own thoughts? Are we devoted towards making God our ultimate fear or our circumstances?

This obviously is a simplified answer to a multifaceted problem, but it should always be where we start!

KNOW

Instead of allowing worry to consume us let us be a light to the world by being devoted followers of Christ. Let us replace worry with thanksgiving, prayer, and hope not because we always feel like it but because we are told it is what is best for us. Let us continue to serve when necessary, and share the Gospel at all times from an understanding of our amazing Lord and His love for us.

DO

Here are some good questions to ask yourself to see if your valid concerns have turned into sinful worry..
1. Are you bringing God your concerns or trying to fix them on your own?
2. Are your thoughts more focused on the what if’s of the future over being present where God has you today?
3. Are you neglecting responsibilities because of your concern?