THE BIBLE AND YOU
How Can We Endure in Times of Crisis? How do we keep it together in a world that’s falling apart? Where do we turn? Practicing these key steps will help us cope.
W
e are living in an age of misinformation, confusion and fear inspired by the father of lies, Satan the devil. Another aspect of his malicious character is creating division among people. Race, ethnicity, political perspectives and religious beliefs have often been divisive factors used by him to turn one group against another. And now we see animosity increasing, just as the Bible warned of the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-5). (See “The Instigator of Evil and Confusion” on page 12.) Today, during this period of the pandemic and cultural upheaval, we see division everywhere. There’s growing anger and conflict. Murders are on the rise, as are mass shootings, suicide, domestic violence and other violations of God’s laws, called sin. The whole world is experiencing an upsurge of pain and suffering. Our lives have been significantly impacted by current events. Some have died from the pandemic, lost loved ones or lost jobs, housing or resources once readily available. Lifestyles have been negatively impacted, not to mention how relationships have been altered by distancing and isolation. As a result, many are grieving these losses and experiencing depression, anger, projection of blame, and denial as to the real causes of these events. Anxiety, fear and feelings of uncertainty are abounding. How do we deal with such crisis? Look to our primary allies in coping with anxiety The first and most important aspect of what we can do is to strengthen our relationship with our foremost allies, God the Father and Jesus Christ. Christ is our counselor, our friend, our confidant, our encourager and comforter. God the Father is a perfect, all-loving father. These all-powerful Beings will fight our battles for us and see us through the most trying circumstances. They will strengthen us through Their Word, the Holy Bible, and 10 Beyond Today
•
B Tm a g a z i n e . o r g
by the power of the Holy Spirit. Like any meaningful relationship, we must spend time with Them to build the relationship. Prayer is our communication to God. And the Bible is the primary way God speaks to us. Fasting intensifies our closeness to God, and meditating on His Word helps us gain a deeper understanding of what He is communicating to us. (Download or request our free study guide Tools for Spiritual Growth to learn more.) God’s Word has much to say on coping with anxiety and worry. How should a person manage anxiety? Philippians 4:6-8 gives us a perfect outline, telling us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things.” If we break this down, these are the key points: We humbly pray to our Heavenly Father and make our requests known, and we give thanks for the things He and His Son have blessed us with. Knowing we have given our concerns and worries to God (see also 1 Peter 5:7), and knowing God will do what is in our best interest, will give us peace of mind. And lastly, our minds need to be focused on the positive things God has shared with us through His Word and the beauty of His creation and the hope that lies ahead. Our negative thoughts are often what produce in us anxious feelings and fears. Change your thinking and follow these guidelines and anxiety will be greatly reduced in your life.
PeopleImages/Getty Images Plus
by Roy Fouch
