Fear is becoming chronic … and so is anxiety. Fear used to be occasional; now, it seems non-stop. Going about a normal day and a normal routine has become abnormal. We second guess whether we should take part in certain activities in certain locations because there could be risk involved. We shelter in place when there is no call to do so. We imprison ourselves because of the fear and the anxiety. 

Caution and prudence are wise, but living under the control of fear and anxiety is not. It is not good for our bodies. It is not good for our minds. And it is not good for our souls. It impacts every part of who we are. Instead of focusing on life and living, we are focusing on how to prevent death and dying. We see shadows everywhere and evil lurking in them. We move from being vibrant and healthy to shrunken and sick to death with worry. Our focus shifts from what is to “what if.” The trepidation has ramped up. The number of outings has gone down. Where is the balance? 

The balance is found by sheltering in God. If we turn our worry, fear, and anxiety over to God, He will replace them with His perfect peace. If we trust Him with our lives, we can also trust Him to hold us in death. As long as our souls are alive in Him, they will never die. We can step out then in preparedness, with peace, continuing to interact with others so they will know the love of God and eternal peace. 

He will give us the strength to face the day—whatever the day holds.

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Whenever I am afraid,
I will trust in You.

In God (I will praise His word),
In God I have put my trust;
I will not fear.
What can flesh do to me?¹

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NOTES

¹ Psalm 56:3–4 taken from the New King James Version of the Holy Bible, ©1982 by Thomas Nelson.

©Text and photo Francee Strain, June 17, 2022