I don’t think I always cope with it well, of course. I’m not sure anyone does! Hard situations tempt most people to worry.
But, on the occasions when I am dealing with it responsibly, here’s what helps me.
- praying
- talking to friends and family
- talking to Mr. FG
- reminding myself that God is in control
- reminding myself that God has good plans for me
- listening to/reading things that remind me of the truth
- reminding myself of God’s past faithfulness
- reminding myself that I can only control me
- remembering that when terrible things have happened before, God has sustained me through them. So if a terrible thing does happen, I will be ok.
- trying to be in the moment, not in the future
- doing the next thing; keeping busy instead of wallowing in worry
The day I found out my daughter had cystic fibrosis the Lord gave me Psalm 31:14 & 15a, “But as for me, I trust in thee, O Lord, I say, thou out my God.
My times [and my daughter’s times] are in thy hands.” Through all the days of her life and even to her death I have been comforted by this truth. This and many other Scripture passages have given me peace in times of fear and worry. I also have learned to live with open hands. I will receive whatever He gives and released to Him whatever He asks of me. He is worthy!
<3 I love this thought.
How very beautiful and thank you for sharing this. Life is never easy and loving God makes it easier.
Your list is very similar to mine. I appreciate how God brings to mind Scripture that I’ve memorized in the past (I don’t feel like I have very much memorized, but he’s used almost everything I’ve got!) This fall I wanted to work on Psalm 46, which turned out to be the very Psalm I clung to when the protests in Hong Kong turned violent this winter in a place just minutes from my in-laws’ home and church. I reminded myself that he could have taken them to HK anytime, but he specifically took them there for THIS time. He is in control. I trusted that if God told them to move, they would. And if the very worst happened, He would be with us through it all.