Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that we should “not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Knowing this, we still go through life worried and concerned about actual and imagined events. For the most part, we know our fears are not based on anything real. We fear the perception of what may come in the near and far-off future. We spend a lot of energy and time worrying about events, people, and circumstances that will never occur.
“At best, these are uncertain times. Although uncertainty can be fruitful because it can motivate us to be curious and exploratory to reduce said uncertainty, it can make us anxious and hesitant. One hardly wants to risk trying new things when the uncertainty and its associated risk for loss are perceived to be too high. Further, uncertainty can bring about fear of the unknown, particularly when it concerns not only the safety and health of our families and ourselves but also our jobs and ways of life. Indeed, these days, it is hard to find solace and reasons for optimism when daily headlines are crowded with dire news related to the coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic.” (Reio, 20)
Many of us are the children or grandchildren of the “Greatest Generation.” This generation was born during the great depression, fought in WWII and Korea, and created the most prosperous period in American history. This generation were the parents of what we call Baby Boomers. For the most part, baby boomers were protected from many world realities and rebelled against how their parents had raised them. Drugs and alcohol became popular, and the “peace and love” group tried to drop out of society. The Baby Boomers were to enjoy the efforts of the prosperity created by the Greatest Generation and became centered on economic pleasures and money. Integrity and honesty became less unessential, and paranoia in living in constant fear of losing economically became normal. This spoiled and misguided generation is now what is running the government and businesses that we all depend upon daily. Knowing this alone should cause a certain amount of fear and uncertainty. Those that experience persistent, repetitive, and passive focus on negative emotions and symptoms will have trouble coping with day-to-day activities. This persistent, continuous thinking about sad, dark, or threatening thoughts is called rumination. “A habit of rumination can be dangerous to your mental health, as it can prolong or intensify depression as well as impair your ability to think and process emotions.” (Legg, 19) We cannot escape fear and uncertainty, but we can recognize the symptoms and try not to succumb to the negative emotions and symptoms. Philippians 4:8-9 reassures us in these circumstances, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
“Fear of the unknown may be a, or possibly the fundamental fear’ underlying anxiety and therein neuroticism. Fear of the unknown (FOTU) will be defined herein as an individual’s propensity to experience fear caused by the perceived absence of information at any level of consciousness or point of processing.” (Carleton, 2016) This information is more valid now than ever, with no information source we can believe. The internet is full of opinionated and false information, the media is reporting questionable and false information paid for by the highest bidder, and our educational system has failed after surrendering to the radical left. It is easy to see why so many people suffer from anxiety and depression. We should remember that Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “Fear not, for I (God)am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Nelson Mandela said he “learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” In today’s world, this is especially true. We have no choice but to proceed with limited knowledge, lack of tactical planning, and constantly rely on information that changes to fit the day’s narrative. “Circumstances in life come and go, some flooding over us, others bringing hope and restoration. While we can’t control our circumstances, our attitudes and response to them always make a difference. More than that, we can change circumstances simply by our presence. The Doing Habits point us in the right direction. We can be people who express God’s love by being people of grace and forgiveness, and encouragement. We can build a community that helps others experience life characterized by God’s presence. Spend time in God’s presence as you move into your day. Then, let God use you to reflect His life, love, and perspective to those around you.” (Lead Like Jesus, 21)
We need to notice when we start to have an anxious or fearful feeling about a circumstance or start to be attacked by the “what ifs” or fear that a situation is out of control or becoming unmanageable. Try to recognize what is making you feel this way, what is happening in your mind and body. Determine if this feeling is an actual or perceived event. Do not deny the feelings as being genuine but do not allow the feelings to consume the circumstances and your emotions. Sometimes you can allow yourself to move through the feelings, experience the uneasiness, and become stronger. All emotions will eventually regain control and allow you to move forward. While experiencing fear and uncertainty, try to breathe normally and control your thoughts. Consider what is real in your surroundings and reason while regaining your composure. We all have moments that we are not in total control. We must learn to ask God for strength, understanding, insight, and fortitude while experiencing fears and uncertainties. Talk to family and friends about what you are experiencing. Chances are they are either experiencing the same things or have in the past. And, of course, anytime you are out of control and having difficulties, you should trust God to carry you through. How often have we been told to pray and share our feelings with God? By now, we should know God has a better plan and answer than ever. God has a plan and answers specifically for each of us. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you.” And then Jeremiah 29:11-14 reassures us by telling us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” With this in mind, we should have little fear and experience uncertainty. Isaiah 41:10 reinforces this by stating, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Carleton, R. N. (2016, June ). Journal of Anxiety Disorders. Retrieved from Fear of the Unknown: One Fear to Rule Them All: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0887618516300469
Lead Like Jesus. (21, 2 3). Retrieved from Changing Circumstances: https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?hl=en#inbox/FMfcgxwLsKBwjWwhJDVrMhNghXXkVvjt
Legg, T. (19, 4 18). HealthLine. Retrieved from What is Runination: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-ruminating
Reio, T. (20, 6 7). Wiley Online. Retrieved from Uncertainty of the Unknown: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hrdq.21394