In 2020 the practice of worry seemed to take over our world. We were told to worry about EVERYTHING! And when we weren’t worried, we heard on the news that we should be! So far 2021 isn’t much better at alleviating any of my concerns. In fact, I have gone from being worried I might get sick and die to an even greater concern that I am loosing my freedom to choose to be sick.

Knowing the truth helps alleviate worry. Back in Sep 23, 2020 the CDC released an update saying that individuals are more likely to survive the virus after contracting it. And if you’re over 70, the survival rate is nearly 95%. Age groups of 0 to 19 have a 99.997% chance of survival.

I tend to look at life with faith and I am learning to search out truth and not be satisfied with just following along because everyone else is doing something. I am thankful I have lived in a country that has allowed me that freedom. My concern is that this freedom to choose what is best for me could quickly be taken away under the guise of being concerned for my good.

So, what do you do as a Believer in Christ when you find yourself letting fear and worry take over your thoughts and even your behavior?

Last year, and even now this year I have been reminded over and over again that I have to listen to and depend on the voice of God to steady my fears. The Lord is in control. He is the only one that can dispel worry for me. The Bible actually says it is a waste of time to worry. The Psalms are great for helping me focus on God’s greatness and how He sees me and fights for me.

Psalms 56:3 says “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” Psalms 34:4 says “I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from ALL my fears.” Psalms 118:6 “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”. I like to read Psalms 23 and apply it personally to every worry I might have. It is full of examples of how He promises to help us.

• He is our protector.
• He never leaves us.
• He is our provider.
• He will guide us and show us what to do when we are confused.
• He promises to be there for us no matter what is happening around us and no matter what situation we find ourselves in.

As a child, growing up in Nigeria back in the 1960s there were many times when fear wanted to rule our life. Fear truly can be “so thick you can cut it with a knife”. If my parents hadn’t known that God sent them there with their four young children, they wouldn’t have lasted for one week much less ten years. They trusted God for healing when we were sick and for guidance when we were in the middle of a civil war. They had to overcome fear with faith and act accordingly. That is what I am asking God to reveal to me in these days. How do I act in faith and not fear? How do I let my life show more of God to this world? Let my faith and confidence in whose I am, be seen by my actions.

Should I be worried? No. God is in control and He will show me what to do.