October 2020 Magazine Letter
UNCERTAINTY
Uncertainty is all around us. The current COVID-19 pandemic has heightened uncertainty over the economy, employment, finances, relationships, and of course, physical and mental health. Yet we crave security. We want to feel safe and have a sense of control over our lives and well-being. Fear and uncertainty can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and powerless over the direction of your life. It can drain you emotionally and trap you in a downward spiral of endless “what-ifs” and worst-case scenarios about what tomorrow may bring.
We have the amazing ability to think about future events, which means that we can anticipate obstacles and problems, which gives us the opportunity to plan solutions which can be helpful. However, worrying is a way of “thinking ahead” that often leaves us feeling anxious and apprehensive. That worry becomes a problem when it stops you from living your life abundantly and it leave you instead feeling depressed and exhausted.
In times of great uncertainty our reference points move unpredictably all the time and it makes our life’s feel unstable and we don’t know where we are at. At the moment our health & safety government guidance changes all the time and people say “It’s all very confusing”.
We need to feel safe. My reference point for guidance is God. When you read the Bible people struggled with uncertainty all the time and you learn about what kept them going, focused and above waters? Their faith anchored them in God. God never changes and people have been helped through the worst by God. Read this from the Gospel of Matthew 6:33-34
33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.“
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
It says to be mindful of today and to let go of the worries of tomorrow helps to focus on the present moment, especially if my worries fabricate my tomorrows. It helps to anchor ourselves and hand over our worries to God in order to be free of burdens I can’t do anything about. It enables me to travel light in order to do what I can and must do today.
I am grateful, despite of uncertainty, to be able to connect with moments of joy and thankfulness.
Yours, Silke
