There are signs telling us to watch out everywhere we go: watch your step, watch out for pedestrians, watch for deer crossing the road, slippery when wet, dead end ahead. These signs are there for our protection. They focus our attention on a possible danger or problem. That’s a good thing.
The world is full of danger or potential problems, and unfortunately, most of them are things we have no control over. Wars, natural disasters, the opinions and actions of others. The list of possibilities is endless.
But Jesus tells us in the verse above that we can have peace despite the tribulations. How does this happen in a broken, often chaotic world?
We “watch up.”
We change our outlook by focusing on Jesus. And we focus on Jesus by looking up.
Photo: A Woman in a Field Free Canvas Images
MAKING THE TRANSFER
I experienced the power of “watching up” on a cruise ship. For the shore excursion we had chosen, we needed to transfer to a smaller boat by walking across a plank between the two boats. The seas were rough, and both boats were bobbing. As the crew helped us across, one of them told me to watch my head. The churning water below me had my attention, and I suspect they recognized fear in my eyes. It was with wisdom that they took my eyes off the danger below and refocused me on something above that wasn’t really a danger at all. It worked and I made a successful transfer.
How do we transfer from the stormy seas of anxiety to the rock of our salvation (see Psalm 89:26 NIV)? We look up.
ANXIETY IS A THIEF
God knew we would be susceptible to moments of anxiety and worry. He knew how fearful the world around us would be once sin entered in.
Satan knows we are prone to worry, too, and he loves it. Anxiety will rob us of our sleep, energy, peace, relationships, and courage. Worry and anxiety will distract us from living life to the fullest like Jesus came that we might have (see John 10:10 NIV).
But God, in His wisdom and mercy, offered us words of hope to remind us of and point us back to His steadfast love.
GOD’S PROMISES
Here are ten verses to meditate upon in times of anxiety.
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
Cast your burden on the Lord,
And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 (NIV)
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.’ Isaiah 42:10 (NIV)
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 (NIV)
In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94:19 (NIV)
Republished with permission from Blogs.crossmap.com, featuring inspiring Bible verses about “Watching Up”: Ten Verses for Stopping Anxiety by Changing Our Focus.
