Keep Calm. Don’t Be Afraid. Don’t Lose Heart.

As a person who struggles with depression, living in the world today can be tough.

Everywhere you look around you, there’s something to stress about. It just seems like so much is going on — there’s so much to worry about — and that can make it hard to hold onto your joy.

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety and are looking for peace and joy, I want you to read the following passage of scripture.

“Be careful, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Do not lose heart…”

This is from Isaiah 7:4. Now, I know this is not the traditional encouraging message, but when I read this passage I realized how well it applies to today. 

When I get on any social media platform or talk to friends and family, I see how much panic, anxiety, and worry is being passed around. And I realized: it’s being passed, and we’re picking it up.

Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we shouldn’t be concerned about the pandemic or ignore safety precautions. I’m just saying that we don’t need to worry and agonize over the situation. Why? Because our God is still in control. 

Our God is always in control. Nothing and no one can usurp that. Nothing can take away God’s power. And so us worrying and stressing is useless. 

Matthew 6:25 and 27 says, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

My deduction: worrying is a useless waste of time and a trap created by the enemy. I don’t know about you, but when I worry and stress I become depressed, and I feel further from God. So when I worry, I’m pulling away and getting trapped in my head. 

So today, I want to encourage you in this: God is still in control. God is still on the throne. God knows what He’s doing. So stop worrying. 

Instead, keep calm and don’t be afraid. Don’t lose heart. Rest in the knowledge that God is still God, and have faith that He will work all things together for our good.

---

Maddisen Sauls is the smile and voice behind the Everyday Joy blog as well as the author of the Word of the Week posts and the editor of by leaps and bounds. Throughout her life, Maddisen has worked as a reporter for small town newspapers, a School Age and Preschool teacher, and has acquired her ministerial license. 

An avid book reader and lover of the written word, Maddisen is passionate about using her favorite medium to reach the lost and the hurting, and to offer encouragement and hope to those struggling through life. 

Following her battle with depression, Maddisen has made it her mission to help other people through this journey and to bring joy to the lives of the people around her. 

You can find Maddisen on Instagram @maddisen.paige