Gò0dNews for Everyone
Do Not Worry
N
by Melissa Baskin
ow more than ever, we live in a world of
on my phone; there is always a “verse of the day.”
uncertainty, fear, and unrest. Turn on or log
The daily verse that day was Psalm 46:1: “God is our
into any news outlet or social media, and
refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
you’ll be inundated with stories that cause fear about
God spoke to me loud and clear through this promise
COVID-19 and its effects. Then, there are stories about
in His Word that day. It’s a verse I cling to in these
our cities being plagued with violence, upheaval, and
uncertain times.
civil unrest. We see racism and other forms of hate
As followers of Christ, Jesus said we would
throughout society. On social media, you can see that
have trials in this world. Our chaotic world does not
even the slightest disagreement about politics can
surprise God. In John 16, Jesus said, “In this world you
turn family members and friends against each other. In this world of uncertainty and unrest, do you long for peace? Do you wish for your children to grow up in a world that is less chaotic? I certainly do. As the mom of two teenage girls, I often worry about the state of our world and what my girls will face in the future. Even now, as my girls go back to school, I worry about their health with the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. My oldest daughter has asthma and is considered high-risk. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to worry about life. However, I admit that I am a worrier
will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
by nature. Many of you may struggle with worry, too.
world.” What wonderful news! Now more than ever,
Even though we can’t change the circumstances
we need to run to God for refuge and shelter. Lean on Jesus when fear and uncertainty grip you. Claim
the world for comfort and peace. Jesus is the only
the promises of Scripture. Remember, for those who
source of true peace, and we find promises of His
follow Christ, this world is not our home. One day,
peace throughout the Bible. As I worried about
our faith will become sight, and we will experience the
my girls’ first day of school and the uncertainty
ultimate peace.
surrounding this school year, I prayed and asked God to give me comfort and peace. I have a Bible app
18 // October 2020
About The Author
that surround us, we can look to the One who created
Melissa Baskin is an assistant professor of Communication Studies at Shorter University, Rome, Georgia.
