fear and worry over the direction of the world

I have fallen back into a sinful pattern of being fearful and obsessing just recently. I find myself fearful over the news...current world news and even the weather can cause me to struggle if I obsess over it. I can not at this time in my walk read the news and not get caught up in being fearful or worrying about things. This has been a real struggle for me because I have at times used the excuse of keeping current so I would know how to pray for others but truth is I end up reading articles that are filled with hate or worse and then I just feel sick inside. The realization hits me over and over again of just how lost and fallen man is and then I find myself struggling with becoming fearful and worrying about the future and all the "what ifs". I don't want to obsess and I do not want to give into fear so I have decided to stop indefinitely following the news. With elections coming around again the pressure from some Christians to be active and get involved seems to be the battle cry and that can make it all the harder for me. I feel like the pressure to vote and be involved in worldly affairs becomes the focus instead of JESUS! For now I am following HIS leading to just remove this from my life so it will not be a stumbling block to me any longer. I have traveled this path before with the same results. As someone who has desperate need of GOD always I realize whenever I have traveled off on my own, I fail! I realize more then ever that I have to live in faith in HIM and trust no matter what comes or happens that HE is in control. For now I just do not seem to be able to keep trusting and abiding in HIM while having a daily morning diet of "worldly news"

I realize this is not an issue for others and that there are many differing points of view but I wonder has anyone else found this to be an area of struggle for them?

God Bless
maryjane

Sister: Please don't think me being trite or making light of your fears, but these things must come to pass. Fear not! There are things that will take place as the second coming of Jesus Christ nears that well cause men great fear and consternation, but we know and are known of the One who is returning. I have come to the opinion that things may be very hard for me in the future. But I believe that God will supply all of my needs. And, if I am called upon to give my life for the name of Christ, He will give me the strength and grace needed at the time. Don't focus your attentions on what is happening in the world. (perhaps turn the news off totally for a period of time.) The Bible tells us what is coming so we have tomorrow's news already. Focus your attention on Christ and He will keep you in perfect peace.

We live in an age of anxiety and uncertainty.
BE ASSURED, GOD WILL KEEP HIS PROMISES AND
HONOR HIS WORD!!
BE CERTAIN OF THIS; GOD HOLDS OUR DESTINY IN
HIS MIGHTY HANDS AND PLANS OUR FUTURE!!
BE OF GOOD COURAGE, FOR CHRIST HAS CONQUERED
SIN AND DEATH AND OVERCOME THE WORLD!!

Krispy wrote:Off and on... I worry about the economy and how it is effecting my family.

_________

This has been a very huge struggle for me. As you said though the LORD is in control and I know that but there are times when I find myself laying awake thinking about the "what ifs"...That is why I think for myself its time to disconnect from the news and worldly affairs. More then anything I do not want to give into sin. I do not want to sin against the LORD or put anything before me that might cause me to stumble or be tempted.

I know that there are bad things happening in the world(because of sin) and I know that things will continue on the appointed path that the LORD has but I just feel that for me I don't need to have the details as they are unfolding so much as I just need to keep my focus on HIM as was said. In today's world there is so much information thrown at us minute by minute of each day and I have just found it to be overwhelming. Good advice from you both to keep my eyes on the LORD! Thank you

God bless
maryjane

Many are consumed in worry, I can assume that it includes Christians/ believers. CNN just found out from CDC, that 8.3 million human beings in this country either want to or have committed/ attempted suicide.

Riveting, and our heart should go out deeply to all of humanity.

IF the word tells us to hope, believe, pray, trust, and we for the most part consider ourselves doing that, but it is quite obvious that as a whole we(as a nation) have trusted not in Christ, but in out conforts here on planet earth.

God help us, please, to lay hold of you as the scriptures have said

I struggle in the same way MaryJane....thank you that you so often have the courage to post of your personal struggles...I live in a home where Rush Limbaugh is god, and talk radio prevails, and high place is given to watching the debates. It is ENORMOUSLY difficult to set myself apart unto the Lord, and yet not appear to shun those in my family who are so into those things. I hear your heart - I think you have made a wise decision. May God bless you for it, and may HIS TRUTH rule in your heart above the news! God bless you!

MaryJane,

For many years I followed the news religiously. But a few things happened to break this addiction: Watergate. For many years I refused to pay a lot of attention to politics but gradually it wormed itself into my consciousness and sucked me into its whorl again with Rush Limbaugh at its helm. All it did was upset me. Then I learned, thanks to Rush, that he is making merchandise out of conservatism! I got so turned off at all this rhetoric..and the liberal rhetoric is full of lies as well.

Lies and making merchandise of conservatism left me cold. It is all about power and getting your money. Somehow in all of this Madelyn Murray O'Hare's comment on her son becoming a Christian comes back to haunt me, "Well, I guess there is money to made there.." Or something like that. Power and money...

When I read your post I felt like I needed to encourage you to study the book of Revelation. Then I thought this may be like throwing gasoline on the fire, yet as I think more about it I am convinced this may help your fear.

In studying Revelation you soon learn it is full of disasters and catastrophic events but there are reasons for God ordaining these events. It is all about to force people to face their own mortality: what will you do with your soul? Their securities are destroyed, there is nothing left to trust in; the faith of God's children are tested. As you study it you will learn to look at calamities from God's perspective and, sister, this is where God wants you to be. And in studying Revelation do not get hung up on trying to figure out the political interpretation but work to understand the heart of God - it is there, if you will but see it. And, sister, there is so much comfort there.

God bless.

ginnyrose

PS: You know what comes to my mind when I hear of another Christian being beheaded for his faith? OK, this must be one of those that will be resurrected in the first resurrection to rule with Christ for a thousand years. And Scriptures calls these persons blessed! AAAhhhh...Runs counter to our benevolent nature, does it not?

No doubt Krispy,

let me say this, words like unregenerate and converted is too mechanical for the world or even many believers to hold on to. Can u say that u are regenerated and converted? To what degree? Are u pleasing in Christ sight? We all fall short, and we must see ourselves as low and helpless as the unbeliever with our hope being Christ. Just food for thought bro, please think about this post b4 answering.

The world period is living in fearmongering and excessive worry, and yes, believers did also deal with faith struggles, worry and fear, but it goes to show us all just how shallow our faith is individually and as a nation. We all talk and think a "good game", but the wonderful spirit of God comes to us and reveals all in time and through our struggles and moments of seeming despair.

There are some people who call themselves Christians who are also contemplating suicide, or going through deep depressions like I myself have, and they believe, but they are confronting these dreadful issues so that may see Christ in it and through it. Doesnt mean they arent regenerated or converted, judging is very easy to do, let us be mindful my brother of our terminology and conversation.

I recommend a book for you bro or many, its called Spiritual Depression by D Martyn Lloyd Jones, absolutely excellent!

Dear Sister,

You wrote:
"I realize this is not an issue for others and that there are many differing points of view but I wonder has anyone else found this to be an area of struggle for them?"

Absolutely! I'm the type that desires the truth, whatever the cost. And I found out that some details just don't need to be known...

I followed Limbaugh for years, until I figured out that he didn't care about the LAW if a "Republican" was in office. Then I was disgusted with mainstream politics. I would vote for Righteousness, or not at all. Period.

A few years ago I watched "End Game" and began listening to Alex Jones, and discovered the details of the plan of the wicked world elite from their own mouths. What I ultimately discovered confirmed that the Bible is absolutely true: Satan is VERY real, he works through wicked men, controls almost all governments on earth, and he hates us in particular, passionately.

Yet, I could have learned all of that just by sticking to the Book! I also think focusing on the malevolent hatred of Satan and his multitude of deceived followers definitely distracts us from the Almighty Power and Amazing Love of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is King of kings!, and Lord of lords!, Amen?

I think the bottom line is this: The Church is the apple of God's Eye. We are hedged therefore, (as we learn from the book of Job), so nothing can happen to us unless God first allows it. Trusting in Him, while seeking to please Him in all things, we need not worry about anything.

Let's stick together then, and encourage one another, and lift each other up. Our God is EVER with us, and His Kingdom yet Comes, come what may...

"Fear not, little flock! for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning!" Luke 12:32-35

Be well in Him dear Sister!
Doug

QUOTE:
"so nothing can happen to us unless God first allows it. Trusting in Him, while seeking to please Him in all things, we need not worry about anything."

This is a very important Truth.

And we cannot change the will of God in matters of well-being, either. Revelation 13:7-10: (NASB)

7 It was also given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him.

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain.

9 If anyone has an ear, let him hear.

10 If anyone is destined for captivity, to captivity he goes; if anyone kills with the sword, with the sword he must be killed. Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.

God gives a person grace as needed each and every day. One cannot store it up for future use - it must be accessed each day, much like the Israelites had to gather manna everyday. When they disobeyed God's commandment concerning this, their manna got wormy. We do well to take lessons, I think.

God bless.

Its not about dumbing things down, its about this church terminology we use is a bit overrated. I take issue with it,its almost like we come into the church and we become sort of "dumb" and out of touch. Jesus said that the children of the world are wiser than the children of God, I do understand why he said that also. Paul emphasized that we should be spiritual, yes, but not to the point of no earthly good.

This has to do when dealing with people of course that no nothing of the church, but we who have been in the church have practically "lost our own mind and ability to think n function" outside of the entity we call the church. We r to be ourselves and condescend in every way to people below us.

This isnt really the main issue here, I just thought it was something for me to comment on from my experience throughout my journey in life.

A matter of who is saved and who's not, that's God's judgment, He knows, not me. So I have also learned to back up and take care of me first in terms of my relationship with Christ and show love to those who may not believe like I do, for only the Lord Jesus, will separate wheat from tares. We do not know peoples hearts!

Last night and this morning I skipped reading any news and spent time in prayer and studying instead. I do plan to study through revelations again so thank you Ginnyrose for that suggestion. In the past I have always found comfort in the promises there for those who live their live submitted daily unto the LORD. The more I pray on this the more I am seeing that its not so much fear for myself as it is for those around me. I was talking with my darling husband on this and he shared with me that he really felt that its not so much my dealing with issues as they are already happening but rather I really struggle dealing with things that "might" happen. For me is more about the "what if" and "unknown" then anything else. I realize this is still an area of sin in my life, the need to relinquish all control and trust GOD completely in all things. I am thankful for all who shared their insights as well as encouragement. GOD is good and faithful to show me these things that I may repent and walk closer to HIM!

God bless
maryjane

QUOTE:
"its not so much my dealing with issues as they are already happening but rather I really struggle dealing with things that "might" happen. For me is more about the "what if" and "unknown" then anything else."

Is this not the root of all fear?

MJ, I am convinced that when or if we become victims of persecution or catastrophic events, God will give us enabling strength to endure. Until that happens we need to stay close to the LORD, follow his biding. When we are close to Him we know He will be with us and give us enabling strength to endure.

Enabling strength - this is something I need today in my work. I exhaust my natural strength quickly. I am learning to back off and asking the LORD for an infusion of strength to go on, and he does supply. To persist without His supernatural strength inflicts much pain in my body. AND if what I am doing is in accordance to his divine will, he will enable me to continue.

MaryJane, there have been real bad situations in our country before and somehow people still survived. And if we won't survive the next bad situation, we die and where will we do? This does not scare me at all. My children also have God to lead them - if they want him, that is. What is available for me is available for them. Just do not forget that God loves them more then we ever will.

Take care, MJ and I do pray for you whenever the Holy Spirit reminds me to.

ginnyrose

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 Jn 4:18

PROVERBS 3:21-26

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,
an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down,YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 HAVE NO FEAR of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be at your side
AND WILL KEEP your foot from being snared.

PSALM 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 Surely HE WILL SAVE YOU
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will NOT FEAR THE TERROR OF NIGHT,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 NO HARM WILL OVERTAKE YOU,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him;
I WILL PROTECT HIM, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I WILL BE WITH HIM IN TROUBLE,
I WILL DELIVER HIM AND HONOR HIM.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

It's all true! Trust Him...no need to fear. He has it well in hand... let Him take care of it and you tend to your business of life, serving Him, and being a witness to the world of His grace and love!

Blessings
Caps added by me simply to bring emphasis to phrases

I feel sorry for the original poster of this message. It sounds as if you have a very sensitive nature about yourself? It seems that possibly your emotions are playing games with you. One thing you shouldn't get into the trap of is the religiousity of thinking that because you are a believer you should hide from everything because things out there are so negative. Yet, as I say that you need to grow in mature in order to accomplish such a thing otherwise you become a very unstable person inside and out.

For me, I am a new freak, for some reason. I read it online and through the radio and I look for learning experiences and seek out where it is God may be lurking in the various things going on. Sure, there is alot of negative stuff out there because there is also positive stuff going on at the same time.
I think of the old addage that a person may break their bone but that point where it grows becomes stronger than before. SOmetimes the negative situations in news become stronger after a break.