In a world that often seems consumed by chaos and uncertainty, it is easy for us to fall into the trap of fear when we follow the news. Headlines bombard us from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep. Never-ending stories of wars, natural disasters, and political unrest cause our hearts to be troubled and our minds to be filled with worry. Thoughts of what if haunt us and we just can’t seem to help but give in to our fears.

According to a study done by the National Library of Medicine on a group of people suffering from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), 91.4% of what if worries did not come true. While this statistic is specific to the study’s sample, it provides valuable insight into the nature of worry and fear.

The majority of our what ifs never happen. Full stop.

On February 25, 2020, my 18-year-old son, a high school senior, texted me an article from the CDC with a coronavirus update. The following is a screen shot of our quick text-conversation about it…

My advice to my son’s what if was, “Don’t put the cart before the horse.” I stand by that advice. But also, by March 25, just one month later, we had been ordered to stay at home and shelter in place. People were sick. Schools were closed. Graduations were cancelled.

While most of our whats ifs never happen, some do.

What if some of our what ifs happen?

“…And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven…And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” ~ Luke 21:9-11, 25-28

In Luke 21, Jesus warned His people that we would hear of wars and tumults, loud confusions. He warned His people that there would be conflict, turmoil, and unrest. He warned His people that great earthquakes, famines, and diseases would come upon the earth.

Jesus also told His people not to be afraid. These things must happen. They are all part of God’s sovereign plan.

Jesus was clear—people would faint with fear and with foreboding, a feeling that something bad might happen (what if).

We see it happening all around us, people fainting with fear. Social media and constant news stories tempt us to join in, to dwell on what if worries and give in to fear. But Jesus tells us not to be afraid. He doesn’t want us to live in the what ifs. Rather, He tells His people to “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” When we are tempted to fear; when the what ifs arise, we take courage and prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead by looking to Jesus. We must keep our eyes up and set our hearts on eternity. We can trust Him with both the details of our lives and the entire world, knowing He is coming soon.

These verses remind us that even in the midst of global turmoil, we can find confidence and hope in the fast-approaching return of our Savior. Ultimately, this is not our home. In the face of fear-inducing news headlines and political unrest, we must remember that our hope and trust are not in the fleeting concerns of this world, but in the sovereign and unchanging God who reigns over it all.

What can you do?

If you find yourself giving in to fear or dwelling on the what ifs, you are not powerless. Shifting your gaze upward…

• Turn off the news and/or social media for an extended period of time. The world will not collapse if you stop watching the news, reading the headlines, and scrolling through the loudness of social media.
• Pray. Start by asking the Lord to replace your fear with trust. Then, pray for your family. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your city. Pray for our nation’s leaders. Pray for our world.
• Read God’s Word. Replace what ifs with truth from His Word.
• Just do the next right thing. Elisabeth Elliot often used this phrase, and its wisdom will always ring true. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, just do what God wants you to do. For most of us, the next right thing will simply be things like:
  • go to work
  • spend time with your family
  • teach your children about the Lord and His Word
  • change out your entryway light bulb
  • do the dishes
  • clean a toilet
  • mow the lawn
  • do the laundry
  • eat dinner with your family
  • worship with your church family
  • love and serve your neighbors

Brothers and Sisters, let us approach everything in life, including the news and political developments, with hearts of discernment and minds rooted in the truth of God’s Word. May we not be swayed by the what ifs that only lead to fear and worry. Instead, may we stand firm in the knowledge that our God is in control and that He takes care of us and the rest of the world in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.

Join me today in singing with the psalmist…

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. ~ Psalm 46:1-3