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You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

Isaiah 26:3-4, ESV

Good News for the Anxious Heart

These days, we’re leaning into our tagline–the Good News Network! Here at WRGN, we spend every day sharing hope in Christ, good news, joy, and encouragement! So it should be easy for us, right?! Well, no doubt about it – there’s enough in the headlines to make just about anyone feel anxious. But the reality is, the Good News doesn’t change, and it isn’t affected by the circumstances! So we are continuing to share good news through music, teaching, and programs here on WRGN!

We were made for this

We are those who have a firm and secure hope (1 Peter 1:2-9, Hebrews 6:19, John 16:33), so this is our time! We were made for this!

As Christ-followers, we are the people who

  • Hold out hope in the midst of hopelessness (Hebrews 10:23, Romans 5:1-5)
  • Demonstrate peace in the midst of anxiety (Isaiah 26:3-4, Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Offer comfort in the midst of uncertainty (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
  • Exhibit joy in the midst of panic (Psalm 5:11, James 1:2)
  • Sacrificially love in the midst of self-centeredness (Ephesians 5:2 ,  Romans 12:10, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13, Galatians 5:13, Romans 12:1)
  • Share the gospel, which provides eternal hope and peace (Ephesians 6:15, Psalm 96:3, Romans 10:14-15, 2 Timothy 4:2-5)

So in light of the hope and confidence we have in Christ… be smart, listen to the experts, make good choices, wash your hands, stay home when possible, and love your neighbor!

Tips for fighting anxiety

Here’s some tips when fear and uncertainty creep in:

  • Fight fear with Truth from God’s Word! Try listening to an audio Bible from the YouVersion or Dwell apps instead of the news!
    > Try a YouVersion Bible reading plan with friends!
  • Read a book or your Bible instead of watching TV
  • Turn off the news and turn on WRGN! You can listen on your smart speaker, too! (“Alexa, play WRGN” or “Hey Google–play WRGN”)
  • Get outside and enjoy nature–and some fresh air!
  • Pray with a friend over the phone, FaceTime, or Zoom
    > Try something new: A Liturgy for Those Flooded by Too Much Information
  • Prayer walk in your neighborhood
  • Play a game with your family, or try a virtual game night with friends

Love your neighbor

Historically, the church runs toward crises, not away from them! Remember to love your neighbor, friends!

  • Wash your hands often and stay home as much as possible
  • Ask friends who serve in medical or emergency professions if they need help with anything while they work overtime
  • Check in with friends and family who are grieving losses and disappointments during this time
  • Support local NEPA restaurants and businesses through online shopping, take-out, deliveries, and gift card purchases
  • Check your neighborhood’s Facebook group or Nextdoor group and offer to help
  • Go for a walk and watch for opportunities to chat with neighbors from a safe distance
  • Lend an ear to people who struggle with anxiety, are immunocompromised, or just need to talk
  • Shift conversations away from panic and towards hope
  • Offer help to friends and families whose schedules have been turned upside down with school closings, overtime work, or reduced work
  • Remember to continue tithing, and even supporting local nonprofits if you’re able

From our ministry partners

Parenting Stuff Podcast

  • Maximizing Family Time This Weekend
  • WE Are The Church

Focus on the Family

Focus on the Family has an entire portal dedicated to resources to help you and your family #ThriveAtHome – you can find it here. We encourage you to visit this portal to find many incredibly helpful resources covering parenting, marriage, family, and more. Here are a few of our favorites:

Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram

Breakpoint

 

We will update this post periodically as new information and resources become available. Last updated 4/2/20.

 

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