With the world in crisis, we’ve been providing a series of episodes in the podcast, Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson about coping with worry, fear, and anxiety when we are in times of crisis. On a recent episode, we talked about how God has given us power as one of our tools to defeat anxiety. Part of using our power is learning to let go of what we can’t control and embracing what we can.
Anxiety often arises within us when we begin to feel like things are out of control. Our mind often spirals down the slippery slope of worry, fear, and anxiety when we begin to think of all the “What if?” questions that we don’t have answers to. Those are the things we need to let go of and surrender to God to handle. We weren’t meant to carry those heavy burdens. Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Here are some of the things we cannot control that we can let go of:
- Negative news and social media
- When the stores will restock necessary supplies
- When the stores and restaurants will re-open
- Companies having to furlough people
- Whether or not others will follow the guidelines like social distancing or staying at home
- The actions of others and how they will react
- The motives of others
- How long this crisis will last
Worry is really just a misappropriation of our trust, giving it to a counterfeit that never satisfies. Focusing on our circumstances and the things we cannot control is like telling God that He isn’t big enough to handle anything that comes our way.
Here are some of the things we can control and can/should focus on:
- Turning off the news
- Limiting social media
- Social distancing and staying at home when possible
- My own positive attitude
- My kindness and gratitude
- Maintaining self-care (eating well, exercising, getting enough rest)
- Having fun, smiling, and laughing
- Working toward my goals and dreams
The thing is, we really have very little control in this life. We often live with the myth that we are in control, but there is so much that is out of control. But the comforting truth is that this situation didn’t take God by surprise, and He remains in control.
Another comforting truth is that when we let go of what we can’t control, and embrace what we can, we are more open to God’s leading. “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9).
I’d love to hear how you are coping with worry, fear, or anxiety and our current situation in the comments below.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Resource to Break Anxiety’s Grip
No question, we have a lot to worry about. Children, jobs, homes, health, finances, and more. The solution isn’t to rid ourselves of the sources of anxiety – as if we could. Instead, we need to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and that we can fight back using the God-given weapons of power, love, and a sound mind.
We can discover true peace in an age of anxiety.
In Breaking Anxiety’s Grip, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her own story of emerging from the battle with anxiety as well as the stories of others. She reminds you of your identity as a follower of Christ and of the peace he promises you in spite of everything.
She provides tools to cope with the crushing emotional burden of anxiety now and, more importantly, shows you how to reclaim God’s peace as a way of life so that you can break anxiety’s grip.
Breaking Anxiety’s Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBooks.com, Books-A-Million, and other fine book retailers.
Click here to learn more: Breaking Anxiety’s Grip.
Thank you so much for this. I desperately needed guidance and encouragement this morning. Anxiety level HIGH! These action steps are practical and spiritual. Must keep my mind and thoughts on things above and not on the chaotic and confusing things of this world that are happening right now. God has our answers and next steps. Thank you again.
Well, I have truly been trying to take your words in your book, Breaking Anxiety’s Grip to heart. Taking the acronym T.R.U.S.T., every part of it into my heart and practice it in my life but yesterday, I almost went into panic mode because my hubby said, Father said that we can go to the post office to mail a box. Before we had someone go for us but there was a problem and my hubby prayed and he said Father said it would be ok to go. I immediately got anxious because I wasn’t sure what we needed to do to prepare to be in the public. We have been isolated for almost 6 weeks. I wanted to do things right to be exposed to people and the virus. I knew what hubby said was true, God said but I did not get peace until we were on our way. We had a plan by then and operated in that plan. We did not have success with the problem so we had to go to another post office and the Lord took care of it but I sure did react strongly. I love and appreciate all you share!!!
Great post! I think we have all experienced anxiety at some point or another during this pandemic. We just have to remember where our hope is and that Jesus tells us not to worry or fear. Thank you so much for sharing.
Angela, thanks so much. I’m hoping it helps alleviate anxiety during a time when it’s all too tempting to lapse back into worry, fear, and anxiety.