Prepared but not Panicked!

February 27, 2020

by: Paul Bishop, MA, LPC, LPC/S- Director

As news warns of a potential pandemic and fears hit trading on Wall Street, how is your anxiety level today?  For some, it is hard to avoid catastrophic thoughts and the “what ifs” are settling in with a vengeance.  I just got off an interesting group text with my coworkers here at the Bridge of Hope.  Some of us are more laid back than others, regardless of our professional training and shared faith in God.  Some are more concerned that this virus will impact our community than others.  But in a nutshell, here was one thing that I think we all  agreed upon as we reflected on the news climate of the day; Trust God with the unknowns, prepare for what you can and don’t panic! 
This is a good principle for life in general.  Too many times we panic when our focus becomes on the possibilities of what could happen and our mindset becomes “what if” instead of focusing on God’s provisions for today and gratitude for “what is!” Don’t stop enjoying today, because you are worried about would could happen tomorrow.  Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving in your heart let our requests be made known to God!” God cares about your fears and will help you prepare where you can, but don’t panic!  Stay focused on today’s blessings and you will worry less about tomorrow’s possibilities.