-Fearful thoughts Guide-

In the world we live in it is easy to be fearful. With the COVID-19 situation that fear is dialed up ten-fold.  While awareness and prudence is absolutely necessary, we do not have to spiral in fear and anxiety. 

Below are some helpful ways you and your family can choose to lean
into our good God at this time!

LEAN INTO SCRIPTURE
When worry fills your mind bring on the Scripture!  We’ve included some verses below and there are so many more. God’s Truth is critical right now.

Practical Tips…
-Write verses on notecards and flip through those cards in your spare time, maybe instead of scrolling on that News Feed.
-Use dry erase markers to write scripture on your mirror.
-Pick a verse to memorize
-Take a picture or screen grab of the scripture and use it as a lock screen

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.
Philippians 4:6-7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

PRAISE GOD FOR WHO HE IS
Take some time to remember who our God is and what He has done. A focus on His faithfulness will help you not give life to your fears.
-Grab paper and pen and write “God You Are…” and “God You Have..” and just spend time remembering who He is and what He has done in your life.
-Read through and pray through the Psalms…

Check out Psalm 46:

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, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

PRAY FOR SOMEONE ELSE
Use feelings of fear as a prompt to pray for someone else.
You could pray for:
-Those who have the virus
-Those who live in areas with high prevalence of the virus
-For those who are most vulnerable
-For those who are scared and don’t yet know the Hope of Jesus
-For healthcare providers all over the world
-For public officials all over the world making big decisions on behalf of their people

“MY WEAPON IS A MELODY”
Choose to worship when you feel worry and fear. There are many ways to worship. One idea is to play worship music in your home and car. Let anthems of God’s truth fill the air.  We have created a special FAITH OVER FEAR playlist.  Find it HERE

BE SELECTIVE ABOUT WHAT YOU LET IN
Use discernment about what you are letting into your heart and mind. Perhaps choose one or two reputable sources so you can stay updated, such as the CDC website  or the Lubbock County Health Dept. Limit media and social media exposure…fear spreads like fire there. 

FILTER YOUR THOUGHTS
Jennie Allen has a great “anxious thoughts” guide. You can request a free download of the entire guide HERE.  One quick takeaway… 

When you have an anxious thought
1. Name the thought
2. Diagnose the thought- Is is true?
3. Take it to God and think over: what does God say about this thought?
This will take you to your Bible.
4. Then make a choice…am I going to believe God about this?

Sometimes just taking the time to work through the thought can be a game changer, because so many of our thoughts are not anchored in Truth.

Here is a great scripture to dwell on when anxious thoughts linger:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8