Recently I was talking to my 15-year-old son about end times prophecy. He’s old enough to realize that the world is finite, and he’s started to pick up on some statements he’s overheard.
The thought of persecution or oppression makes him concerned for his future, of course. He wants to know if he’ll be able to get married one day and pursue his dreams. The thought of facing threats to that happiness causes him distress.
And he’s not alone. The fate of our futures seems to be a concern that comes up more often lately with everyone I talk to. Fears of looming threats to our future make life stressful for everyone. But thankfully, we don’t have to live in fear of the future.
Here are four principles to remember when life seems crazy.
First, God is in control, not man. It may seem like our fate is in the hands of a few world leaders, but that’s not the case. God is in complete control.
Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” The world leaders may be the ones who outwardly call the shots, but God’s the one who inwardly changes the will.
God changed the hearts of leaders like Pharoah, King Saul, and King Cyrus. Whatever situation we’re in, it’s never hopeless because we can trust God that everything He allows is for the ultimate good.
Second, it’s good to seek guidance. Fear often comes from feeling helpless. If this is the case, consider learning new skills. For example, a friend of mine worried if there was a collapsing economy, she wouldn’t know how to find food. So I suggested she take some survival classes or even do some internet research on how to cultivate a garden or learn how to can food.
Even if your fears are unfounded, learning these new skills will enrich your life. But the biggest benefit is peace of mind. Don’t sit in fear, worrying about a looming crisis. Put that nervous energy to work by educating yourself in a new way.
Third, everything isn’t urgent. The media and marketing specialists want our attention. And one of the ways they do that is to make us panic. This kind of fear makes every issue seem urgent, and that’s when we make fast, emotional decisions—perfect for the marketing people. This is what’s known as “impulse purchasing.”
If you feel panicky, you might need to cut back your media consumption. Take a phone fast. Turn off your tv or computer. Remember, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).
Every decision we make should be measured with wisdom and prayed over, not rushed. When we act out of impulse, we make decisions we regret. Instead, take your time and measure everything by God’s word. “They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Fourth, everything will be alright in the end. God has a way of working things out. Just when you feel like you’ve come to the end of your road, there is a small trail in the bushes. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
God is for us, not against us. We can trust Him. So keep seeking His face in every circumstance. Do your best to follow in His footsteps. We might not always like where His paths lead in the short term, but it always makes sense when we get to the end of the journey.