True Story #1

We might worry about many things. It could be something minor, or a large concern, such as death. It could seem logical to worry about death, since roughly 167,000 people die each day, world-wide, and most weren’t expecting it. Even if they had worried about dying, that didn’t stop death; in fact, the mental distraction—of thinking about ways they could die today—might have enabled it. Worry causes us to be less attentive to immediate matters. It puts us at risk, especially if on duty in the jail or while driving, where alertness is vital.

If we focus on the fact that there’s no guarantee we’ll be alive tomorrow, and that most things are outside of our control, such thinking creates anxiety and robs us of peace.

Worry is also ineffective. Jesus asked the rhetorical question, which is still valid: “Can worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27).

The answer is “no.”

Worrying Isn’t Planning. It’s Fear

When I encouraged a friend to cease worrying, she disputed, “But we must plan!”

True, but worrying isn’t planning. Worrying impedes planning, by misdirecting time and energy (which could be used for good research and careful planning), to imagining and talking about fearful outcomes.

Can we consider the future, without fearfulness? Overcoming fear (which is always about the future), begins with understanding fear. Fear isn’t solely an emotion; it’s a spirit–and not from God, but from Satan, who hates humans and wants us to be consumed or at least distracted by fears and worry, so that we can’t do or be our best.

If you choose to recognize Satan as the source of worry or fear, you’re more likely to reject him and it. Serving in corrections, you’re a trained, ready fighter. So, be alert to Satan’s ploys—prepared to fight fear. The best way is to recall God’s word; he says 360 times in the Bible to “not worry,” “don’t fear,” “do not be anxious” knowing that it’s Satan’s common attack method. And since God commands us to not fear, he can make it possible.

It’s ineffective to simply think, “I’ll stop worrying.” God teaches us to replace fear with truth about his promised goodness. Here are just three of God’s promised gifts, from 1st John 4:18, and 2nd Timothy 1:7:

1. Power—from knowing that all things (including every event in life), are in the hands of God who loves you, completely.

2. Love—casts out fear, letting you accept yourself even after making a mistake or sinning, rather than being caught in guilt, which is another of Satan’s goals.

3. A sound mind—to reject lies and warped philosophies, and to recognize truth.

Gaining peace requires becoming comfortable with not knowing the future. If we have doubts, that’s not foolish, nor sinful. Doubt can lead us to seek answers, to make the best decisions–the opposite of unproductive, paralyzing worry. Worry impedes good plans. God says don’t worry; he doesn’t say don’t plan.

Who has Unknownaphobia?

Perhaps you’re not a worrier. Great! If that’s because you trust in God, you undoubtedly have a calming presence on others–a peace not exhibited by most of the world. You’re an instructive model and reassurance for many, especially for kids who can otherwise be taught to be fearful. If so, perhaps you’re reading this in hopes of helping someone in your life who is a chronic worrier.

Whether for yourself or another, the first step is choosing to make peace with the always-unknown future. God will help! He offers clear guidance on how to be unafraid of the future. Here are just three of his ways:

1. Learn to Live Each Day Fully:

As Jesus said: “Do not worry about tomorrow…each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). Focus on today. God gives us strength for today, but not enough to also expend regretting yesterday or worrying about tomorrow. Any time you catch yourself beginning to worry, say (preferably aloud, to develop a new, positive habit), something like: “No; I won’t worry. I’ll make good plans and actions today, and I ask You, God, for Your wisdom and help.”

Planning is thoughtful, logical, investigative assessment, to create productive action-steps. Satan isn’t in charge when you’re acting wisely!

You may think, “It’s not that simple to stop worrying.” It is simple, but not easy. Like any good habit or attribute, it takes intentional, repeated work to develop a new alertness to recognize worry, then stop and consciously replace it each time with God’s help: “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you.” (Isaiah 41:10)

However, His word is like having a pill to ease pain; it only works if you take it. A pill—or scripture–which isn’t applied, can’t help. God’s Word is his prescription for our peace, when we apply his words by faith, whether we feel it or not. Don’t trust your emotions, which change, often without explanation or reason. Instead, trust God; he loves you so much that he chose to come to earth and die for your sin.

2. Learn to be Thankful:

If you choose to be intentionally thankful for what is good in life, you’ll not walk the worry path. Being thankful is a big step in rejecting unknownaphobia. Start each day being thankful, regardless of how you feel. State aloud a few things for which you’re thankful: perhaps that you slept, aren’t blind, have a job, home, food, and God’s love. This is obeying God, which is always wise, because he wants the best for you: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1st Thessalonians 5:18).

When confronted with genuine adversity (not a manufactured worry), God is up to something, because he is sovereign over everything and is allowing it. Adversity is not an enemy; it’s how we learn and grow. Thank God for it. Ask him to reveal its purpose for you.

3. Choose to Trust God:

Making peace with the unknown requires trusting it to the only One who knows everything about your future: “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for good, not evil, to give you a future and hope. Pray. I will hear you. Seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14).

We don’t get to choose what happens to us; we get to choose how we respond to the challenges. God knows the future and holds yours in his hands. Your job is to choose to relax in that truth. Visualize yourself in a hammock, on a beautiful day. Relaxed, you’re better able to deal with what comes along.

Are you saying:

“God, I can run my life fine, and better than you can. I’ll take charge because I don’t trust you.”?

Maybe you don’t actually say this to God, but do your thoughts and actions express this? If we trust our feelings rather than our all-powerful, loving God, then it’s understandable to be fearful. However, not trusting God is very foolish, and the opposite of all that the Bible teaches about his trustworthy love for us, no matter how many mistakes we make. Satan wants you to ignore God’s word, but God’s only motive is for your best, so he and his Word can be trusted, always.

Verses to cure Unknownaphobia

There are many scriptures against fear and worry. These are powerful against Satan, who is real and always at work against us. Memorize and restate them in your own words when you catch yourself beginning to worry or fear. Here are two examples of personalizing verses against the unknown:

“God, You are my protective fortress.’” (Psalm 91:2)

“I trust you, God, completely. I won’t rely on my own understanding but on You, knowing that You will guide me better than I can.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In closing: what to learn and do to be at peace with the future:

• Focus on today and making wise plans for the future.

• Each morning and throughout each day, be verbally thankful, even for little things.

• Trust and praise our loving God.

• Pray about everything, using scripture in your own words!

If you have any questions or would like prayer for any matter, it would be my privilege to hear from you.

Sources

www.worldpopulationreview.com/countries/deaths-per-day

“Unknownaphobia,” Mary Lowman, www.Christian WorkingWoman.org

“Turning Point,” David Jeremiah, www.oneplace.com June 3, 2024

The Bible

https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ October 11, 2023

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Chaplain Linda Ahrens Chaplain American Jail Association