Freelance writer Lupie Riley 

Thought: We live in a world of high anxiety, a world of the "what if's". Everyday were hit with a new crises. If it's not things going on around us it's stress in family situations. Peace has left the building. When was the last time you had one of those "aaah" moments where you could just kick it up, block everything out and just experience the purity of those quiet times? We are all faced with hard decisions to make almost every day but the way we respond to them makes the difference in our peace of mind. Here's some choices you might make.

1. Choosing not to allow fear and anxiety control your life.
2. Choosing to guard your heart
3. Choosing to focus your mind on what is true and good in the midst of uncertain times.

Always remember God is in control. If He had limitations He would cease to be God. His peace will keep your thoughts and heart quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus.

Phillippians 4:8-9 tells us to fix our thoughts on what is true, good and right. What is pure, lovely and the fine good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Put these things in practice and the God of peace will be with you. (paraphrased).

Here's some short verse you can put to memory when you feel overwhelmed. Let them be the calming factor in your life. John 14:27 " I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. Do don't be troubled or afraid."
Psalms 56:3 "But when I am afraid, I will put my confidence in you. Yes, I will trust the promises of God."
Joshua 1:9 " Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Psalms 46:1 " God is our refuge and strength, a tested help in times of trouble"
Isaiah 41:10 " Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand."
Psalms 34:4 " For I cried to Him and He answered me! He freed me from all my fears."
The world is not going to end!! If it were so, the Bible would be a lie. Jesus will rule someday soon as King of Kings and Lord of Lords for 1,000 years and it will be the golden years of humanity. The best is yet to come!

Prayer: Father God, thank you for these words of encouragement especially in troubling times as this. You have not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.

Verse: Phill. 2:10-11 " That at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. "

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com