Find Calm in Unsettling Times

Many seasons in our lives usher in a level of anxiety. But when we stay connected to the Lord during those times, we will find calm. 

Many seasons in our lives usher in a level of anxiety. But when we stay connected to the Lord during those times, we will find calm. #realstrugglesrealhope Share on X

The excitement’s real, as is some anxiety. After years of weighing and praying about it, my husband and I have started building a house as he looks toward retirement.

Seesaw Feelings

Amid a myriad of layout and style decisions, we repeatedly receive a different kind of question from our daughter, Rachel: “Home?” as she tries to figure out what this construction business actually means for her. Sometimes she adds, “week?” thinking we can be living there quickly. And then there are times when the entire idea terrifies our 22-year-old, and “No!” becomes her word of choice. With moderate intellectual disabilities, Rachel struggles to understand what’s really going to happen. As a result, she experiences a seesaw of reactions.

Sometimes she catches my excitement, but other times, the fear of the unknown overwhelms her. When her fear escalates, I reassure her that whatever happens she’ll be OK. I remind her that we’ve been there for her in the past and will help her now. And I encourage her to pray and trust that Jesus is always near and will help her through.

Fear and Anxiety

Rachel’s reaction to our home building is perfectly understandable. The idea of having a new bedroom seems to thrill her, but it’ll require change, and change can be scary for anyone. Her current home is all she’s ever known. She’s comfortable there and largely knows what to expect.

But with the unexpected often comes fear. When we don’t understand a situation, the worse-case scenarios begin to roll through our minds, crowding out the truths of what we do know. We begin to feel anxious and unsettled. Like now. Like in this season of pandemic and unrest.

With the unexpected often comes fear. When we don't understand a situation, the worse-case scenarios begin to roll through our minds, crowding out the truths of what we do know. Share on X

Connected and Calm

Yet even if we allow fear to sneak in, we don’t have to let it stay. The assurances I offer Rachel are the same ones you and I can use to calm our hearts.

As Christians, no matter what happens on earth, we will be OK. We can trust Jesus to always be present and to help us through. And when we remind ourselves in the Word of His faithfulness and turn to Him in prayer, we can tap into His peace. By staying connected to the Lord and to the promises that are true in Him, we can quiet our anxious hearts. 

We can trust Jesus to always be present and to help us through. And by staying connected to Him and to the promises that are true in Him through prayer and His Word, we can quiet our anxious hearts. #realstrugglesrealhope Share on X

“I will both lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, Lord, make me live in safety” (Psalm 4:8, CSB).

Now more than ever, we need to regularly remind ourselves of the God’s assurances. We need to keep out the lies by filling our minds with truths.

1. We will be OK (Isaiah 41:10);
2. The Lord is not surprised nor overwhelmed by the world’s circumstances—nor by ours (Isaiah 46:8-10);
3. God still has this (Proverbs 19:21);
4. The Lord will redeem this for good—He always does (Romans 8:28); and
5. As God’s children, we are sheltered under His wings (Psalm 91:4). 

Your Turn

Reflections: What gets you anxious? What promise(s) of God reassures you and brings you peace?