A
significant
number
of
persons
are
experiencing
varying
degrees
of
both
fear
and
anxiety,
because
our
world
has
dramatically
changed
in
a
very
short
period
of
time.
That
which
we
knew,
that
which
we
understood,
that
which
provided
us
with
reference
points
and
direction
in
our
lives
are
no
longer
the
same.
Meanwhile,
many
now
face
a
realistic
fear
that
is
driven
by
mental
images
of
possibly
dying
by
an
invisible
killer.
Layered
on
top
of
this
fear
are
anxious
thoughts
as
we
attempt
to
look
into
a
future
that’s
filled
with
numerous
potential
outcomes—some
hoped
for,
some
undesirable
and
some
are
horrific.
As
a
consequence,
many
of
us
are
suffering
from
out-of-control
emotions
as
we
experience
a
rise
in
blood
pressure,
increased
stress,
tension,
and
an
uneasy
feeling
deep
in
the
pit
of
our
stomach
as we do our best to navigate this uncharted territory.
Fear vs. Anxiety
For
those
of
us
who
are
having
difficulty
managing
our
emotions,
it
is
important
to
understand
the
difference
between
fear and anxiety.
Fear
is
one
of
our
most
basic
emotions
and
is
part
of
our
autonomous
nervous
system.
The
autonomous
nervous
system
controls
our
body
functions
that
are
not
consciously
(or
mentally)
directed,
such
as
breathing,
heartbeat,
digestive
process,
and
so
forth.
Fear
is
a
protective
and
survivalistic
response
(to
fight
or
run)
when
we
face
a
real
threat
of
danger,
pain
or
harm.
For
example,
the
present
global
response
is
to
“run”
from
the
virus
via
social
isolation,
social
distancing,
wearing
masks,
continually
washing
our
hands,
and
so
forth.
Sometime
in
the
future
we
hope
to
“fight” the virus by an effective treatment and/or vaccine.
To
understand
the
role,
importance
and
benefits
of
fear,
consider
what
would
happen
if
we
were
not
designed
with
the
capacity
of
fear—including
its
associated
survivalistic
motivations.
Would
our
response
to
the
virus
be
different?
Would
we
be
less
willing
to
change
our
behavior?
Would
things
get
much
worse?
The
answer
to
all
three
questions
is
yes…and as such, fear is a good thing.
However,
while
fear
is
based
upon
a
real
and
existing
threat,
anxiety
is
based
upon
imagined
threats.
Anxiety
is
caused
by
our
imagination
as
we
consider
and
worry
about
“this
could
occur,
and
that
could
occur.”
While
it
is
possible
for
these
imagined
events
to
occur—at
this
time
they
do
not
exist
and
presently
exist
“between
our
ears.”
Unfortunately,
our
anxious
thoughts
will
layer
on
top
of
our
fear
and
create
internal
havoc.
In
addition,
some
of
us
will
consider
the
same
anxious
thoughts
over
and
over—which
compounds
the
issue—and
can
cause
us
to
experience
a
multitude
of
unnecessary
symptoms
as
we
degrade
to
a
debilitative
state—which
is
not
a
good
thing.
Anxiety-driven
symptoms include:
Feeling nervous
Restlessness
Panic attacks
Rapid heart rate
Sleep problems
Nausea
Digestive issues
Obsessive thoughts
Headaches
Feeling helpless
Feeling in danger
Anticipating the worst outcomes
Personally…I
was
initially
consumed
by
anxious
thoughts
as
the
pandemic
began
to
spread.
My
thoughts
included…What
would
happen
if
we
go
into
a
depression?
What
would
happen
if
our
children
lost
their
jobs?
What
would
happen
if
they
are
unable
to
find
a
cure?
What
would
happen
if…?????
Every
one
of
these
thoughts
are
possible,
but
not
real
at
this
time.
As
such,
they
simply
magnified
my
existing
internal
pressure
and
made
things
worse.
Plus,
I
was
experiencing
the
majority
of
symptoms
listed
above…which
were
“tearing
me
up
on
the
inside.”
In
truth,
my
response to the pandemic was not in line with my faith, and not in line with God’s word.
Note how Jesus did not say in the following scripture do not fear. He said do not worry and do not be anxious.
Jesus
said
“Therefore
I
say
to
you,
do
not
worry
about
your
life,
what
you
will
eat
or
what
you
will
drink;
nor
about
your
body,
what
you
will
put
on.
Is
not
life
more
than
food
and
the
body
more
than
clothing?
Look
at
the
birds
of
the
air,
for
they
neither
sow
nor
reap
nor
gather
into
barns;
yet
your
heavenly
Father
feeds
them.
Are
you
not
of
more
value
than
they?
Which
of
you
by
worrying
can
add
one
cubit
to
his
stature?
So
why
do
you
worry
about
clothing?
Consider
the
lilies
of
the
field,
how
they
grow:
they
neither
toil
nor
spin;
and
yet
I
say
to
you
that
even
Solomon
in
all
his
glory
was
not
arrayed
like
one
of
these.
Now
if
God
so
clothes
the
grass
of
the
field,
which
today
is,
and
tomorrow
is
thrown
into
the
oven,
will
He
not
much
more
clothe
you,
O
you
of
little
faith?
Therefore,
do
not
worry
,
saying,
‘What
shall
we
eat?’
or
‘What
shall
we
drink?’
or
‘What
shall
we
wear?’
For
after
all
these
things
the
Gentiles
seek.
For
your
heavenly
Father
knows
that
you
need
all
these
things.
But
seek
first
the
kingdom
of
God
and
His
righteousness,
and
all
these
things
shall
be
added
to
you.
Therefore,
do
not
worry
about
tomorrow,
for
tomorrow
will
worry
about
its
own
things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34
“
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
How to Manage Anxious Thoughts
Our
first
(and
most
effective)
means
to
manage
anxiety
is
to
begin
with
prayer
from
the
depths
of
our
heart—when
we
tell
God
everything
we
are
experiencing.
Tell
Him
about
our
fears,
our
anxieties,
our
emotions
and
our
circumstances—and
ask
the
Holy
Spirit
to
intervene
and
guide
us
through
the
pandemic.
Thereafter,
we
need
to
step
forward in faith and put our complete trust in Him.
The
next
step
is
to
identify
and
separate
our
fearful
thoughts
from
our
anxious
thoughts.
To
accomplish
this
task,
obtain
two
sheets
of
paper
and
title
one
“Fear,”
the
other
“Anxiety.”
For
the
next
48
hours,
every
time
you
have
a
thought regarding the pandemic…prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the answer to the following questions:
1
.
Is this an actual fear (a real threat)? If yes, write the thought on the Fear page.
2
.
Is
this
an
anxiety
(an
imagined
threat
that
could
possibly
occur
in
the
future,
but
presently
does
not
exist)?
If
yes,
write this thought on the Anxiety page.
Once
completed,
start
with
the
thoughts
listed
on
the
Fear
page.
Prayerfully
ask…Am
I
doing
everything
possible
to
minimize
my
risk?
If
not,
then
what
can
I
improve?
If
yes,
then
realize
you
are
doing
the
best
you
can.
As
you
move
forward, fear will reinforce the need to continue the protective behavior (and not let your “guard” down).
Now
take
the
Anxiety
page
and
write
a
date
on
it
that
is
one
week
(7
days)
in
the
future
(plus
put
this
date
into
your
calendar
as
a
reminder).
Then
instruct
yourself
that
you
will
not
allow
yourself
to
consider
these
anxious
thoughts
until
this future date because:
1
.
They are imagined threats that do not presently exist.
2
.
Thinking about these scenarios are causing me unnecessary stress and grief.
3
.
If these scenarios do occur, the Holy Spirit will guide me in how to deal with them in the future.
4
.
Meanwhile, it is prudent to focus upon those things that are more important…one day at a time.
Once
documented
and
delayed,
your
anxious
thoughts
will
no
longer
have
as
much
influence—because
you
made
a
commitment
to
think
about
these
“things”
at
a
later
date—thereby,
freeing
up
your
mental
capacity
from
the
overburdening
and
cyclic
regurgitation
of
anxiety-based
“what
if
scenarios.”
When
the
defined
date
occurs,
review
your
list,
update
it
if
necessary,
then
ask
yourself
if
any
of
these
scenarios
have
occurred
or
not—and
if
so,
respond
accordingly. Otherwise, pick another date to review that’s 7 days away, and so forth.
Here
is
another
consideration.
Our
anxieties
are
often
reinforced
every
time
we
watch
or
read
the
news—which
is
like
throwing
gasoline
onto
a
smoldering
fire.
Be
assured,
no
one
in
the
news
media
has
an
answer.
All
they
can
do
is
describe
what’s
going
on,
depict
the
consequences
and
voice
an
opinion.
Plus,
news
regarding
the
pandemic
will
likely
stay
the
same
until
a
proven
treatment
and/or
vaccine
is
available.
Meanwhile,
it
is
beneficial
to
limit
the
amount
of
news we consume because it only makes our anxiety worse.
From
a
spiritual
perspective,
this
is
a
time
when
we
need
to
hold
onto
our
faith
in
God’s
word
and
His
promises
with
all
of
our
heart,
and
with
all
of
our
soul,
and
with
all
of
our
mind.
Jesus
warned
us
about
times
such
as
this—for
we
are
in
the midst of a storm that is pounding upon the very foundation of every Christian’s faith.
Jesus
said
“Therefore
whoever
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
them,
I
wi
ll
liken
him
to
a
wise
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
rock:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
did
not
fall,
for
it
was
founded
on
the
rock.
But
everyone
who
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
not
do
them,
will
be
like
a
foolish
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
sand:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
fell.
And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
Consider
what
happened
to
Peter
when
he
turned
his
eyes
away
from
Jesus,
and
began to consider what was going on around him.
“Immediately
Jesus
made
His
disciples
get
into
the
boat
and
go
before
Him
to
the
other
side,
while
He
sent
the
multitudes
away.
And
when
He
had
sent
the
multitudes
away,
He
went
up
on
the
mountain
by
Himself
to
pray.
Now
when
evening
came,
He
was
alone
there.
But
the
boat
was
now
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
tossed
by
the
waves,
for
the
wind
was
contrary.
Now
in
the
fourth
watch
of
the
night
Jesus
went
to
them,
walking
on
the
sea.
And
when
the
disciples
saw
Him
walking
on
the
sea,
they
were
troubled,
saying,
“It
is
a
ghost!”
And
they
cried
out
for
fear.
But
immediately
Jesus
spoke
to
them,
saying,
‘Be
of
good
cheer!
It
is
I;
do
not
be
afraid.’
And
Peter
answered
Him
and
said,
‘Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.’
So
He
said,
‘Come.’
And
when
Peter
had
come
down
out
of
the
boat,
he
walked
on
the
water
to
go
to
Jesus.
But
when
he
saw
that
the
wind
was
boisterous,
he
was
afraid;
and
beginning
to
sink
he
cried
out,
saying,
‘Lord,
save
me!’
And
immediately
Jesus
stretched
out
His
hand
and
caught
him,
and
said
to
him,
‘O
you
of
little
faith,
why
did
you
doubt?’
And
when
they
got
into
the
boat,
the
wind
ceased.
Then
those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God.’” Matthew 14:22-33
Now is the time to let go, focus our eyes upon Jesus, completely trust in God and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.
“He
who
dwells
in
the
secret
place
of
the
Most
High
shall
abide
under
the
shadow
of
the
Almighty.
I
will
say
of
the
Lord,
‘He
is
my
refuge
and
my
fortress;
My
God,
in
Him
I
will
trust.’
Surely
He
shall
deliver
you
from
the
snare
of
the
fowler
and
from
the
perilous
pestilence.
He
shall
cover
you
with
His
feathers,
and
under
His
wings
you
shall
take
refuge;
His
truth
shall
be
your
shield
and
buckler.
You
shall
not
be
afraid
of
the
terror
by
night,
nor
of
the
arrow
that
flies
by
day,
nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” Psalm 91:1-6
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The following questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Managing Anxiety During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided
Questions
(Do your best to respond to each lesson question before looking at the answer.)
1. What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
2. Is fear a good thing? Why?
3. Is anxiety a good thing? Why?
O
Have
you
been
experiencing
anxiety
due
to
the
pandemic?
If
yes,
is
it
causing
one
or
more
of
the
12
anxiety-
driven symptoms?
O Do anxious thoughts improve or drain spiritual life?
4. What did Jesus say about worrying?
5. What were the 5 suggested steps one should follow to minimize anxiety?
Answers
1. Fear is an actual threat. Anxiety is an imagined threat.
2. Fear is a protective and survivalistic response to danger, pain or harm. As such, it’s a good thing.
3.
Anxiety
is
based
upon
our
imagination
of
what
could
happen.
Anxiety
is
not
beneficial
to
our
wellbeing
and
can
drain our spiritual life because of the numerous types of negative consequences.
4. “Do not worry.” (Matthew 6:25-34) “Be anxious for nothing.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
5. Listed below:
1
.
Pray from the depths of your heart. Tell God what you are experiencing.
2
.
Document (write down) your fears and anxieties (to move them outside your mind).
3
.
Select
a
future
date
when
you
will
review
the
documented
anxieties.
Meanwhile,
recognize
when
you
begin
to
have anxious thoughts and instruct yourself now is not the time to consider these things.
4
.
Reduce/eliminate sources that increase anxiety, such as the news.
5
.
Place your trust in God.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button.
Jesus
A
significant
number
of
persons
are
experiencing
varying
degrees
of
both
fear
and
anxiety,
because
our
world
has
dramatically
changed
in
a
very
short
period
of
time.
That
which
we
knew,
that
which
we
understood,
that
which
provided
us
with
reference
points
and
direction
in
our
lives
are
no
longer
the
same.
Meanwhile,
many
now
face
a
realistic
fear
that
is
driven
by
mental
images
of
possibly
dying
by
an
invisible
killer.
Layered
on
top
of
this
fear
are
anxious
thoughts
as
we
attempt
to
look
into
a
future
that’s
filled
with
numerous
potential
outcomes—some
hoped
for,
some
undesirable
and
some
are
horrific.
As
a
consequence,
many
of
us
are
suffering
from
out-of-control
emotions
as
we
experience
a
rise
in
blood
pressure,
increased
stress,
tension,
and
an
uneasy
feeling
deep
in
the
pit
of
our
stomach
as
we
do
our
best
to
navigate
this
uncharted territory.
Fear vs. Anxiety
For
those
of
us
who
are
having
difficulty
managing
our
emotions,
it
is
important
to
understand
the
difference
between fear and anxiety.
Fear
is
one
of
our
most
basic
emotions
and
is
part
of
our
autonomous
nervous
system.
The
autonomous
nervous
system
controls
our
body
functions
that
are
not
consciously
(or
mentally)
directed,
such
as
breathing,
heartbeat,
digestive
process,
and
so
forth.
Fear
is
a
protective
and
survivalistic
response
(to
fight
or
run)
when
we
face
a
real
threat
of
danger,
pain
or
harm.
For
example,
the
present
global
response
is
to
“run”
from
the
virus
via
social
isolation,
social
distancing,
wearing
masks,
continually
washing
our
hands,
and
so
forth.
Sometime
in
the
future
we
hope
to
“fight”
the
virus
by
an
effective
treatment and/or vaccine.
To
understand
the
role,
importance
and
benefits
of
fear,
consider
what
would
happen
if
we
were
not
designed
with
the
capacity
of
fear—including
its
associated
survivalistic
motivations.
Would
our
response
to
the
virus
be
different?
Would
we
be
less
willing
to
change
our
behavior?
Would
things
get
much
worse?
The
answer
to
all
three
questions
is yes…and as such, fear is a good thing.
However,
while
fear
is
based
upon
a
real
and
existing
threat,
anxiety
is
based
upon
imagined
threats.
Anxiety
is
caused
by
our
imagination
as
we
consider
and
worry
about
“this
could
occur,
and
that
could
occur.”
While
it
is
possible
for
these
imagined
events
to
occur—at
this
time
they
do
not
exist
and
presently
exist
“between
our
ears.”
Unfortunately,
our
anxious
thoughts
will
layer
on
top
of
our
fear
and
create
internal
havoc.
In
addition,
some
of
us
will
consider
the
same
anxious
thoughts
over
and
over—which
compounds
the
issue—and
can
cause
us
to
experience
a
multitude
of
unnecessary
symptoms
as
we
degrade
to
a
debilitative
state—which
is
not
a
good
thing.
Anxiety-driven symptoms include:
Feeling nervous
Restlessness
Panic attacks
Rapid heart rate
Sleep problems
Nausea
Digestive issues
Obsessive thoughts
Headaches
Feeling helpless
Feeling in danger
Anticipating the worst outcomes
Personally…I
was
initially
consumed
by
anxious
thoughts
as
the
pandemic
began
to
spread.
My
thoughts
included…What
would
happen
if
we
go
into
a
depression?
What
would
happen
if
our
children
lost
their
jobs?
What
would
happen
if
they
are
unable
to
find
a
cure?
What
would
happen
if…?????
Every
one
of
these
thoughts
are
possible,
but
not
real
at
this
time.
As
such,
they
simply
magnified
my
existing
internal
pressure
and
made
things
worse.
Plus,
I
was
experiencing
the
majority
of
symptoms
listed
above…which
were
“tearing
me
up
on
the
inside.”
In
truth,
my
response
to
the
pandemic
was
not
in
line
with
my faith, and not in line with God’s word.
Note
how
Jesus
did
not
say
in
the
following
scripture
do
not fear. He said do not worry and do not be anxious.
Jesus
said
“Therefore
I
say
to
you,
do
not
worry
about
your
life,
what
you
will
eat
or
what
you
will
drink;
nor
about
your
body,
what
you
will
put
on.
Is
not
life
more
than
food
and
the
body
more
than
clothing?
Look
at
the
birds
of
the
air,
for
they
neither
sow
nor
reap
nor
gather
into
barns;
yet
your
heavenly
Father
feeds
them.
Are
you
not
of
more
value
than
they?
Which
of
you
by
worrying
can
add
one
cubit
to
his
stature?
So
why
do
you
worry
about
clothing?
Consider
the
lilies
of
the
field,
how
they
grow:
they
neither
toil
nor
spin;
and
yet
I
say
to
you
that
even
Solomon
in
all
his
glory
was
not
arrayed
like
one
of
these.
Now
if
God
so
clothes
the
grass
of
the
field,
which
today
is,
and
tomorrow
is
thrown
into
the
oven,
will
He
not
much
more
clothe
you,
O
you
of
little
faith?
Therefore,
do
not
worry
,
saying,
‘What
shall
we
eat?’
or
‘What
shall
we
drink?’
or
‘What
shall
we
wear?’
For
after
all
these
things
the
Gentiles
seek.
For
your
heavenly
Father
knows
that
you
need
all
these
things.
But
seek
first
the
kingdom
of
God
and
His
righteousness,
and
all
these
things
shall
be
added
to
you.
Therefore,
do
not
worry
about
tomorrow,
for
tomorrow
will
worry
about
its
own
things.
Sufficient
for
the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:25-34
“
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
How to Manage Anxious Thoughts
Our
first
(and
most
effective)
means
to
manage
anxiety
is
to
begin
with
prayer
from
the
depths
of
our
heart—when
we
tell
God
everything
we
are
experiencing.
Tell
Him
about
our
fears,
our
anxieties,
our
emotions
and
our
circumstances—and
ask
the
Holy
Spirit
to
intervene
and
guide
us
through
the
pandemic.
Thereafter,
we
need
to
step forward in faith and put our complete trust in Him.
The
next
step
is
to
identify
and
separate
our
fearful
thoughts
from
our
anxious
thoughts.
To
accomplish
this
task,
obtain
two
sheets
of
paper
and
title
one
“Fear,”
the
other
“Anxiety.”
For
the
next
48
hours,
every
time
you
have
a
thought
regarding
the
pandemic…prayerfully
ask
the
Holy
Spirit
to
reveal
the
answer
to
the
following
questions:
1
.
Is
this
an
actual
fear
(a
real
threat)?
If
yes,
write
the
thought on the Fear page.
2
.
Is
this
an
anxiety
(an
imagined
threat
that
could
possibly
occur
in
the
future,
but
presently
does
not
exist)? If yes, write this thought on the Anxiety page.
Once
completed,
start
with
the
thoughts
listed
on
the
Fear
page.
Prayerfully
ask…Am
I
doing
everything
possible
to
minimize
my
risk?
If
not,
then
what
can
I
improve?
If
yes,
then
realize
you
are
doing
the
best
you
can.
As
you
move
forward,
fear
will
reinforce
the
need
to
continue
the
protective behavior (and not let your “guard” down).
Now
take
the
Anxiety
page
and
write
a
date
on
it
that
is
one
week
(7
days)
in
the
future
(plus
put
this
date
into
your
calendar
as
a
reminder).
Then
instruct
yourself
that
you
will
not
allow
yourself
to
consider
these
anxious
thoughts until this future date because:
1
.
They are imagined threats that do not presently exist.
2
.
Thinking
about
these
scenarios
are
causing
me
unnecessary stress and grief.
3
.
If
these
scenarios
do
occur,
the
Holy
Spirit
will
guide
me in how to deal with them in the future.
4
.
Meanwhile,
it
is
prudent
to
focus
upon
those
things
that are more important…one day at a time.
Once
documented
and
delayed,
your
anxious
thoughts
will
no
longer
have
as
much
influence—because
you
made
a
commitment
to
think
about
these
“things”
at
a
later
date—thereby,
freeing
up
your
mental
capacity
from
the
overburdening
and
cyclic
regurgitation
of
anxiety-based
“what
if
scenarios.”
When
the
defined
date
occurs,
review
your
list,
update
it
if
necessary,
then
ask
yourself
if
any
of
these
scenarios
have
occurred
or
not—and
if
so,
respond
accordingly.
Otherwise,
pick
another
date
to
review
that’s
7 days away, and so forth.
Here
is
another
consideration.
Our
anxieties
are
often
reinforced
every
time
we
watch
or
read
the
news—which
is
like
throwing
gasoline
onto
a
smoldering
fire.
Be
assured,
no
one
in
the
news
media
has
an
answer.
All
they
can
do
is
describe
what’s
going
on,
depict
the
consequences
and
voice
an
opinion.
Plus,
news
regarding
the
pandemic
will
likely
stay
the
same
until
a
proven
treatment
and/or
vaccine
is
available.
Meanwhile,
it
is
beneficial
to
limit
the
amount
of
news
we
consume
because it only makes our anxiety worse.
From
a
spiritual
perspective,
this
is
a
time
when
we
need
to
hold
onto
our
faith
in
God’s
word
and
His
promises
with
all
of
our
heart,
and
with
all
of
our
soul,
and
with
all
of
our
mind.
Jesus
warned
us
about
times
such
as
this—for
we
are
in
the
midst
of
a
storm
that
is
pounding
upon
the
very
foundation of every Christian’s faith.
Jesus
said
“Therefor
e
whoever
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
them,
I
will
liken
him
to
a
wise
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
rock:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
did
not
fall,
for
it
was
founded
on
the
rock.
But
everyone
who
hears
these
sayings
of
Mine,
and
does
not
do
them,
will
be
like
a
foolish
man
who
built
his
house
on
the
sand:
and
the
rain
descended,
the
floods
came,
and
the
winds
blew
and
beat
on
that
house;
and
it
fell.
And
great
was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27
Consider
what
happened
to
Peter
when
he
turned
his
eyes
away
from
Jesus,
and
began
to
consider
what
was
going on around him.
“Immediately
Jesus
made
His
disciples
get
into
the
boat
and
go
before
Him
to
the
other
side,
while
He
sent
the
multitudes
away.
And
when
He
had
sent
the
multitudes
away,
He
went
up
on
the
mountain
by
Himself
to
pray.
Now
when
evening
came,
He
was
alone
there.
But
the
boat
was
now
in
the
middle
of
the
sea,
tossed
by
the
waves,
for
the
wind
was
contrary.
Now
in
the
fourth
watch
of
the
night
Jesus
went
to
them,
walking
on
the
sea.
And
when
the
disciples
saw
Him
walking
on
the
sea,
they
were
troubled,
saying,
“It
is
a
ghost!”
And
they
cried
out
for
fear.
But
immediately
Jesus
spoke
to
them,
saying,
‘Be
of
good
cheer!
It
is
I;
do
not
be
afraid.’
And
Peter
answered
Him
and
said,
‘Lord,
if
it
is
You,
command
me
to
come
to
You
on
the
water.’
So
He
said,
‘Come.’
And
when
Peter
had
come
down
out
of
the
boat,
he
walked
on
the
water
to
go
to
Jesus.
But
when
he
saw
that
the
wind
was
boisterous,
he
was
afraid;
and
beginning
to
sink
he
cried
out,
saying,
‘Lord,
save
me!’
And
immediately
Jesus
stretched
out
His
hand
and
caught
him,
and
said
to
him,
‘O
you
of
little
faith,
why
did
you
doubt?’
And
when
they
got
into
the
boat,
the
wind
ceased.
Then
those
who
were
in
the
boat
came
and
worshiped
Him,
saying,
‘Truly
You
are
the
Son
of
God.’”
Matthew 14:22-33
Now
is
the
time
to
let
go,
focus
our
eyes
upon
Jesus,
completely
trust
in
God
and
seek
guidance
from
the
Holy
Spirit.
“He
who
dwells
in
the
secret
place
of
the
Most
High
shall
abide
under
the
shadow
of
the
Almighty.
I
will
say
of
the
Lord,
‘He
is
my
refuge
and
my
fortress;
My
God,
in
Him
I
will
trust.’
Surely
He
shall
deliver
you
from
the
snare
of
the
fowler
and
from
the
perilous
pestilence.
He
shall
cover
you
with
His
feathers,
and
under
His
wings
you
shall
take
refuge;
His
truth
shall
be
your
shield
and
buckler.
You
shall
not
be
afraid
of
the
terror
by
night,
nor
of
the
arrow
that
flies
by
day,
nor
of
the
pestilence
that
walks
in
darkness,
nor
of
the
destruction
that
lays
waste
at
noonday.” Psalm 91:1-6
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
below
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
content,
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader;
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed
after
reading
“Managing
Anxiety
During the Pandemic.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
“O”)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
1. What is the difference between fear and anxiety?
2. Is fear a good thing? Why?
3. Is anxiety a good thing? Why?
O
Have
you
been
experiencing
anxiety
due
to
the
pandemic?
If
yes,
is
it
causing
one
or
more
of
the
12
anxiety-driven symptoms?
O
Do anxious thoughts improve or drain spiritual life?
4.
What did Jesus say about worrying?
5.
What
were
the
5
suggested
steps
one
should
follow
to minimize anxiety?
Answers
1.
Fear
is
an
actual
threat.
Anxiety
is
an
imagined
threat.
2.
Fear
is
a
protective
and
survivalistic
response
to
danger, pain or harm. As such, it’s a good thing.
3.
Anxiety
is
based
upon
our
imagination
of
what
could
happen.
Anxiety
is
not
beneficial
to
our
wellbeing
and
can
drain
our
spiritual
life
because
of
the
numerous types of negative consequences.
4.
“Do
not
worry.”
(Matthew
6:25-34)
“Be
anxious
for
nothing.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
5. Listed below:
1
.
Pray
from
the
depths
of
your
heart.
Tell
God
what
you are experiencing.
2
.
Document
(write
down)
your
fears
and
anxieties
(to move them outside your mind).
3
.
Select
a
future
date
when
you
will
review
the
documented
anxieties.
Meanwhile,
recognize
when
you
begin
to
have
anxious
thoughts
and
instruct
yourself
now
is
not
the
time
to
consider
these things.
4
.
Reduce/eliminate
sources
that
increase
anxiety,
such as the news.
5
.
Place your trust in God.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF
file by clicking on this button.
Jesus