HOW TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF LIVING IN TODAYS WORLD
Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV)—"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.
It's disheartening to witness the state of the world today. The overwhelming hatred, anger, and rage make it a daunting place to live in. Even going to church has become unsafe. It's crucial to ask ourselves where all this is leading and how we can support each other to overcome the fear of living. Let's focus on staying positive and encouraging each other to spread love and kindness in the world.
It's no secret that evil has existed in the world ever since sin entered God's perfect creation. Wars have been fought since the beginning of time. However, today the constant news coverage we have thanks to the 24-hour news cycle that emerged in the latter part of the 20th century with the advent of the news and the internet, may also be contributing to the sense of anxiety present in our society.
According to the Bible, the last days before Jesus' return to Earth will be marked by "terrible times." Jesus himself warned us that we "will hear of wars and rumors of wars" (Matthew 24:6, NKJV). Today, more than ever before, Christians are being persecuted and martyred for their faith. It's essential that we hold on to our faith and continue to spread love and hope in the world, even amid these trying times.
Our world is undeniably filled with hatred, anger, conflict, turmoil, and insecurity. Jesus identified the root of this problem as being in our hearts, and the reason for it is that we are estranged from our Creator. We must seek to reconnect with God and strive to live according to His will, spreading love and kindness in the world, even amidst the chaos and uncertainty.
Instead of acknowledging God as the center of our lives, we have replaced Him with the worldly gods that promise to fulfill our deepest desires. However, it's only Christ who can transform our hearts and bring us true fulfillment. Let's strive to put God first in our lives and seek His guidance in all that we do, so that we may experience the peace and joy that only He can provide.
No, it doesn't mean that we cannot make progress against the daunting problems that our society faces. God calls on us to fight against all forms of evil and injustice in the world. With God's help, we can make a positive impact in the world, one step at a time. Let's strive to be a force of good in the world and spread God's love and grace wherever we go.
Our most pressing need is for repentance and spiritual revival, Acts 3:19-21 reads…“Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.”
We must keep Christ at the forefront of our thoughts and actions. Let's strive to seek God's forgiveness for our sins and surrender our lives to Him. By putting Christ at the center of our lives, we can experience true transformation and become instruments of good in the world.
To overcome the fear of living, we must support and encourage each other. Let's strive to be compassionate and understanding towards one another, recognizing that we are all struggling in our ways. We can keep each other motivated by sharing positive experiences, uplifting stories, and messages of hope. Additionally, we should aim to be good listeners, providing a safe space for others to express their concerns and fears. Finally, let's pray for each other, asking God to comfort and strengthen us in difficult times.
Psalm 46:1-2 reminds us that God is our stronghold and our source of strength, always there to help us in times of trouble. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. “Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” Psalm 46:1-2. So, we need not live in fear. Let's take time to be still and know that He is God, trusting that He will guide and protect us through all circumstances.