I am sitting out on my deck as I write this on such a beautiful sunny day! The birds are singing, a light breeze, and it’s just perfect. One wouldn’t even know the troubles, hurts, and problems in our world today from just sitting on the deck, yet the world has changed, and the world will continue to change. How are you doing with all the change? Things are beginning to open up yet it’s different – masks, hand sanitizers, social distancing, to just name a few. Will it ever feel normal again?
The image came to mind of when I was a kid and played on those spinning merry-go-rounds we used to find on a playground (I’m not even sure they are still around)! As I would sit on the “wheel”, my friend would grab the bar and start running. She would spin me faster and faster until she let go, and I would just keep on spinning and spinning feeling like it would never stop! I’m almost sick now just thinking of it! I have no idea how I did that! I would get off and try to walk, but ended up needing to grab something before I would fall. Fun? I guess it was then but I’m not so sure it would be now!
That is how I’m visualizing the world we’re in today, yet it’s far from fun. Things have changed drastically. Between COVID, the riots, and just the “normal” life circumstances that happen, our world can feel like it is spinning out of control. We don’t know what to believe, who to believe, or how to move forward. We need that something that can hold us up when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control before we fall. What is it that can hold us up? Faith.
It seems simple enough; just have faith. Putting that faith into practice is where it can become difficult. How does one even start?
Practical steps – faith over fear:
Decide. Simple, but not necessarily easy. It’s a choice to make – are you going to worry and fear about today and let the world tell you where your security (or lack thereof) comes from, or will you step out in faith believing that God is with us and He is who He says He is, regardless of what the circumstances and world may say.
Pray. Once you’ve decided that God is where you are placing your trust, tell Him. Tell Him how you are scared, or worried, or simply that you just don’t know how to do this. He’s there, willing and waiting to hear from you. Ask Him for strength, for peace, for wisdom and courage, or whatever it is you are needing. He promises He will provide for all your needs. (Philippians 4:19)
Reflect. Think back through your past. If God has been a part of your life, when has He brought you through a difficult time in the past? What did you learn from that experience? How did God provide for you then? Find peace in how He provided for you then, because He will not let you down now either. If you don’t have the experience, talk with a trusted friend who has walked through difficulties with faith. Ask them how they managed, what they learned, and gain encouragement from those that walk out their faith.
Focus. Claim a promise. The Bible is filled with them! Find one or two that touch you and brings you peace. Memorize it or paraphrase it, and keep it as your focus point. In those moments when you feel worry coming on (because you will!), you will be able to bring it to mind to help you regain your focus once again.
Here are a few themes and verses to get you started:
Peace: 2 Thessalonians 3:16
God is for me: Romans 8:31
Courage: Philippians 4:13
God has a plan: Jeremiah 29:11
Things will be okay: Romans 8:28
Remember, God sees you, He loves you, He wants you to keep your eyes on Him and trust that He is in control even when our world appears to be spinning out of control. Decide, pray, reflect, and focus on God as He will provide the peace and foundation you are searching for, and will help keep your world from spinning. “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord.” Jeremiah 17:17.