The Here and Now: Finding Peace When the World Feels Heavy

The Weight of the “What Ifs”

Just last week, I was fearful of the world as a whole. Reading the news of war and thinking of how grim and difficult our future might be, it’s easy to be filled with dread and despair. When we focus too far ahead and dwell on the “what ifs” of life, we lose our footing.

In those moments of fear, our flesh wants to turn toward instant comfort to find temporary relief from the stress. Recently, in the middle of worrying about the global stage, my own small world came crumbling to a halt. It pulled my attention away from the “BIG” problems and onto the immediate struggles right in front of me. I realized I have no control over the outcome, but I have learned to refocus on what is most important: the here and now.

Letting Go of the Need to Fix

In the past, my instinct was to question God, to stop trusting Him, and to worry as if I had control over the results. I am choosing a different path now. I am letting go of the mindset that I must figure it out, I can fix the problem, or I can control any of it. Whether it is the big world or my small one, both are best left in the hands of God.

When Nightmares Become Reality

I lived that life of running toward rebellion in times of sorrow. We often go through hardships and think, “This is the hardest thing I have ever been through!” Then, as years pass, you find yourself in even more difficult circumstances and realize it can indeed get worse.

Have you ever had a “worst-case scenario” in your mind—a true nightmare? I had one, and it happened. I found myself outside, crying and screaming in deep despair, feeling like my heart would explode. It didn’t physically explode, but I was left with the shattered pieces of my heart on the floor while life kept moving ahead. But there is a moment when you finally decide to stand up. You take a step, and your feet actually begin moving forward.

A Lamp, Not a Spotlight

If you look at Scripture, Psalm 119:105 says:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

This reminds me that God doesn’t always give us a spotlight to see what is coming far up ahead. He wants us to trust Him with each individual step, using just a lamp to guide the path. A lamp provides just enough light to see what is directly in front of you—just enough for the task at hand.

Trusting for Today

God wants us to set our minds on Him and the work He has put right in front of us. We are called to face the worries of today, not what is to come tomorrow. We aren’t “there” yet, so God is not there with us in that future anxiety. He is with us Here and Now. As Matthew 6:34 says:

“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

When the future looks grim, put your focus on Jesus Christ. Look only to the step ahead, not the full journey. One foot in front of the other, looking intently at what is lit by the lamp.

The Here and Now is the time to put your trust in Jesus. If you have been “on the fence”—with one foot in church and one foot in the world—now is the time to decide. Put your trust in Him. He will give you strength for today and a hope for tomorrow.