Election chaos is in full affect. With each campaign accusing the other of lying, cheating, stealing, and / or fraud, people across the nation are on edge. Extreme levels of uncertainty have gripped countless people. On-line rants, protests, fighting and personal accusations are rampant everywhere. Ordinarily self-aware, gentle, and calm people are getting pulled into the hysteria. “Who will win?” “Will there be civil unrest?” “Will more friendships be lost?” “Will we ever return to ‘normal?'” “Will 2020 ever come to an end?” “When will we know the results?” “Will we ever really know the truth?”
ANXIETY
When uncertainty levels are high, anxiety levels spike. Ambiguity about what the future holds or possible threats disrupt our cognitive ability to consider our options with clarity for mitigating negative impacts, and thus anxiety levels continue to climb. Many people probably feel like WBC Heavyweight Champion Trevor Berbick in 1986 after his boxing match with Mike Tyson. As he never saw Tyson coming, Berbick (along with countless boxing fans) were dazed and confused. Whether it is being in the midst of a pandemic, becoming unemployed, losing a loved one, being surrounded by race riots, or finding yourself in the midst of a contested and volatile election (2020 has been a peach), people are feeling bruised, beaten, confused, and anxious. Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives but during times of extreme uncertainty, anxiety levels rise. Here are some common symptoms of anxiety:
- Excessive worrying
- Knots in your stomach
- Difficulty breathing
- Grinding your teeth
- Loss of appetite
- Back and neck pain
- Eyes twitching
- Loss of sleep
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
After a refreshing night of sleep, I woke up without an alarm at 5:40 AM hearing a call to read the Word:
John 14:1-2 1 Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you, I go to prepare a place for you.
With commotion around us and a lack of clarity about the days ahead, there is no surprise many of us are experiencing internal turmoil and a lack of clarity. God knows that those who are constantly watching MSM (main stream media), insistently scrolling through social media, and perpetually refreshing their web browsers are only fueling the fire raging within them.
Jesus Christ calls his disciples to not let their hearts be in turmoil and commotion. He does so within the context of a reminder that this world is not the final destination for humanity. In fact, the world that is to come is far superior for the one who finds rest in Him.
Make no mistake, I am not implying that people should not seek justice, pursue legitimate governance in the world, or look for opportunities to do good in the world. Rather, consider this an appeal to keep focused upon the Kingdom of God and the life that is to come. In so doing, your hearts may find rest, anxieties will be settled, and your joy in the Lord will be restored. May God’s promise of what He is preparing for us in Christ, now and for all eternity, settle within your heart today.
Philippians 4:6-9 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 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. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’