Surviving An Uncertain World as a Family
Anxiety reeks havoc on our souls and an unknown, uncertain world is the key to anxiety. BUT we live in this world, right? So, how do we face uncertainty without becoming a ball of anxiety? How do we live in this world spreading love, founded in faith when we are uncertain of the days ahead?
I find myself rooted in Matthew 6 these days.
Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his life? I meditate on this verse often. As a type A I’m always thinking of the next step to get ahead, the next to do, the next place to be. I fight with the anxiety of tomorrow constantly BUT this act of getting ahead doesn’t add anything to my life, not a single hour or day. In the end all this strife will be for nothing.
I find myself spiraling in worry somedays. Will my kids get sick? Will I be out of a job? Will something happen to my friends, family? These constant worries turn us away from the Father, we are not relying on him to care for us as he has promised.
If that doesn’t convince you, medical problems can also arise from constant worry. Studies have shown stress and anxiety can lead to heart problems, digestive issues, poor sleep and more. Constant stress can make us age prematurely and not in a good way. Stress and anxiety are no friend to your body.
Then Why Worry?
The truth is we can be confident in Gods promises. This is the only way to face the fear of the unknown. Pastor John MacArthur writes “God’s Word is clear—believers are not to be given over to anxiety. But it’s not simply a cold, abrupt command to stop worrying. Scripture is clear that we shouldn’t focus on the plans, needs, and uncertainties of tomorrow, but it’s also clear about where our focus should be instead. This is what Jesus said to His followers, and the same instructions hold true for us today: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).”
He does not promise all good days, but he does promise to walk beside us through the unknowns of life. He promises safe haven, an eternal life when this world is over. I rest assured that this life is the worst there is and nothing can separate me from the love of the Father.
I find myself practicing gratitude each morning. Counting the blessings from the day before down to the smallest. I am grateful for cabinets full of food. I am grateful for a warm home and 3 healthy children. I am grateful, I am blessed. This practice of gratitude helps me to see how abundantly blessed I am even in the face of fear, even in the unknown.
I spend time enjoying the little things. A big bowl of Ice Cream, a twelfth round of Uno with my 6 year old, these joys and little moments make facing the unknown that much sweeter. Savor today, have hope in tomorrow and rely on God for whatever is to come.
How do you face the fear of the unknown? Let me know in the comments below.