7 Ways to Stay Firm When the World Feels Unsteady

Life does not always feel steady. Political divisions, the news, and our personal struggles can all threaten to disrupt our peace. Remaining rooted in God is key to holding back anxiety and fear in our lives, despite the circumstances and times that we find ourselves in. Here are seven ways to stay firm in your faith even when everything around you seems to be shaking.

1. Start Well

How we start our day can impact every moment that follows. If anxiety and stress are the first emotions you experience, you will spend hours trying to rid yourself of those emotions. Avoid reaching for your phone or laptop first thing in the morning. If negative thoughts attack you upon opening your eyes, then pray before even rising. Leave a Bible next to your bed and read something immediately. Schedule time for prayer and scripture reading before meeting the demands and information of the day.

O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you[a] and watch. Psalm 5:3

2. Decrease Noise

Our lives are filled with way too much information and outward distractions throughout the day. Decrease your notifications on your phone or computer and, whenever possible, leave devices where they won’t tempt you to access media. Avoid a constant stream of information from the radio, TV, and social media. Focus instead on the immediate tasks and people in your life. Stay busy.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2

3. Visual Reminders

Place scripture art or even verses on 3 x 5 cards in strategic locations around your home, vehicle, or office. Read them throughout the day. Whether these are handwritten notes, calligraphy prints, or beautiful illustrated works of art, these reminders of truth will catch your eye as you go about your day. Seek them out when worry overwhelms or place them in places where you tend to need encouragement. Consider making your lockscreen scripture as well.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:9

4. Audible Reminders

Play uplifting music with or without words, an audio Bible, or podcasts that are not focused on current events. Consider something such as The Daily Liturgy Podcast, which calmly recites scripture and prayers. If a specific topic bothers you, consider whether it might be helpful to find a sermon from a trusted source that addresses the issue. Otherwise, listen to uplifting truths that will ease your fears rather than increase them.

5. Verbal Reminders

Practice memorizing scripture and speaking it aloud. Use scripture memory cards to help this process. Pray out loud for the protection of your mind and emotions. Memorize and sing hymns and worship songs. Speaking the name of Jesus aloud will always cause the darkness to flee.

6. Use a Filter

When stressful, scary, or concerning thoughts threaten to overwhelm, run them through a scripture filter in your mind. Are they true? Are they helpful? Is there an answer to them in the Bible? Don’t dwell on them if they are not. Replace the lies with truth and the fear with hope. You could extend this into a deep Bible study on specific issues that are bothering you, or even begin memorizing a catechism book or studying systematic theology. Having solid truth to cling to will prevent fear from overtaking you.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8

7. End Well

How we end our day can affect our sleep, our dreams, and even our next morning. If you end the day catching up on news or looking at social media, your mind may attempt to enter a rest crowded with worry, fear, comparisons, and strife. Instead, participate in a life-giving hobby, conversation with a friend, a quality book, more scripture, restful music, or even silent physical refreshment with a bath, shower, or even a workout. Don’t let your last thoughts be on the ever-changing and unstable world. Let it be on the never-changing solid rock, our Lord.

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

No matter what happens in your personal life or the world at large, staying rooted in God and clinging to His promises will see you through. Create habits and rhythms in your life that increase your faith, not your fears.