In the book of Jeremiah, we read about how the people of God had been captured by King Nebuchadnezzar and taken into captivity in Babylon. In their eyes, their future looked bleak and scary. They had no idea if they would ever get to go back home or what would happen to them while they were in Babylon. Would families be split up? Would they be abused and tortured? Would they be slaves?
Jeremiah, the prophet, was still in Jerusalem when he wrote this section of the book. In chapter 29 we find a letter encouraging the people who were in exile with the truth that God will rescue them and, though it did not seem like it at the moment, God knew what He was doing. His plans are always best.
As we begin our study on fear and anxiety, we could make a long list of things that make us fearful and bring on anxiety. One of those things is wrapped up in our thoughts of the future. Maybe you feel your future looks bleak. You may look at what is going on and feel hopeless that things will change. You may think about your retirement years, putting kids through college, the future of your marriage or simply making it through this week, only to have to do it all over again next week. How we think about the future, whether that is tomorrow or twenty years from now, can bring on fear and anxiety.
How do we change our perspective on the future in a way that helps us find rest in the Lord?
We need to know God
Through all of Scripture God shows us who He is, what He is like and what He does. He tells us that He is all-powerful; He can do things that we can never do on our own. He is loving and kind; He cannot be cruel or mean. He is faithful; He can’t go back on His word or forsake His people. He is gracious; He is filled with compassion, care, and sympathy for His people.
He has a plan. His plan is to comfort His people because, not only is His plan perfect because He is perfect, but He knows the best way to orchestrate all things so His plan will come to fruition. Knowing God calms the anxious heart.
We need to believe God
Knowing God is not enough to begin to banish our fears about our future. We have to also believe the things God says. We need to have faith that while we cannot see what is going on, God does see all things. While we cannot control much, God controls all. While we may be confused and need wisdom, God is never confused and holds all wisdom, which He uses to execute His plans. And while our future can feel like it is changing, unpredictable, and unsteady, our God is an immovable rock. In Him our lives, and especially our futures, are stable and secure.
The plans He has for our lives may not be easy. It may involve hardship, and the unknown can be scary, but we should not live in fear. We need to remind ourselves that we have a God on our side who has made the sun stand still, who has fed His people with miraculous bread for forty years, and who sacrificed Himself to save His people. Our future is brighter than we can ever imagine.
Our perspective of the future changes when we know God and believe what He says. This will destroy fear.
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
Looking To Jesus,
WEEK 1 Challenge:
- Make a list of all the things that you fear about the future, whether that is tomorrow or twenty years from now.
- What truths about God are you struggling to believe related to these fears? Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in those areas.
Week 1 Memory Verse
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How timely with what is going on with the world around us. How our circumstances are uncertain and we feel like we’ve been left in exile- unsure of when we will be let out. BUT God… He is here in all of it and knows our future and because of that we have HOPE! Thankful for this study and for our God who never changes and can be trusted.
Sharon, thank you for joining us! We are so glad to share this journey with you. “BUT GOD” is a phrase I use often. No matter what happen we have the almighty with us and we rest in peace knowing He has us, always.
Once again, thank you for joining us and a great day!
Paula Lloyd, LGG Encourager
I am anxious about returning to my job as a Nurses Aide. I have comprised immune system at home and 3 young children. I am anxious.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Dear Jessica, the LORD God is with you and I pray He gives you wisdom and help you during this time and heal and make you whole. God bless you. Keep strong in His word He will not fail you. We love you dear Sister.
Are there any scripture passages to follow along with? Or just what was mentioned? I’m a Bible flipper! I love the verses. Thank you!
Hello Amanda!! I hope you are well and safe. All the verses you need are on the weekly plan displayed above. But if you need more you can use the cross-reference portion on your Bible. I hope this helps. God bless you.
the blogs are wonderful to use too… brings more visual meaning to scriptures..
Good morning
Love the topic of the study and it could not be more perfect for thus time in my life. Not just with the pandemic but with family issues. Thank you for all that you do.
Quick question… the first study is dated 4/20, however I thought the is study began today 4/27. Can you please confirm? I just want to make sure I stay on track.
Hi Sandra! I am happy you find comfort in God’s word. We are sorry for the mistake. It starts 27th April. God bless you beloved.
Fear of the Future , Ive already read?? and studied the whole week blogs and scriptures.. are we not started week 2 this week?
Hello beloved. No, this is week 1. We started today. So sorry for the mix-up. So glad you joined us. God’s blessings.
Hi, I’m new at this? My daughter got me connected! I have questions????
What time should I log on to do study with the group?
Do we get to hear each other or is it just write in comments?
Basically, how does this work?
Thanks, Sharon
Hi Sharon! So glad you could join us. You can log in at anytime to study with them group. You post your SOAP, then comment on other ladies SOAPs as much as you can. If you have prayer requests or questions, you are very free to drop them. Strike up conversations and just enjoy fellowship. I hope I helped. God’s blessings.
Love this study. Started just at the right time.
We are so glad you’re joining us! This is an amazing study and perfect timing with all that’s going on. Welcome!
Love the verse .. I know the plans I have for you. I am a fairly new Christian and was also reading a book and the chapter I am in middle of is about god’s plan for me. I don’t know what it is yet but the verse I felt today I was meant to read X
Adele, we are so glad that you are joining us! Welcome! Gods plan is so great for us, even if we don’t know what it is! Again welcome and we look forward to you growing and learning with us,
This is so lovely to read! Thank you for sharing this with us! God bless you and keep you and yes His plans for you are plans of good and not evil to give you a future and a hope. Many blessings.
How wonderful to know that God’s plans are to give us a future and a hope and that He watches all of His creatures – the birds and the flowers – as well as His children.
Yes and Amen!! Thank you for sharing with us on the blog today Evie.
I really don’t know how this study popped up on my phone, but am so glad it did! I look forward to keeping up with you all!
I ordered my bible study book today. I am so glad I found you all!!!
My fears lie with my son and my families future. I fear my son will pass with SIDS before his first birthday. I fear for the day he gets hurt and his first day of school. I fear him being grown and leaving. I really fear paying for the cars and college. I fear our family will take a turn as my husband job turns from his families farm to his own. I fear the day my father in law passes as I’m not trusting in what may or may not be set. I fear for the day I have to make the hard decisions about my parents. I fear the day my grandma passes.
I’m struggling to let go and let God and to put full trust in his plan. I know his plan is perfect and he will never leave my side, but I became so self dependent in my younger years, before I really had a faith, I find it hard to let it go because I’m a control freak. I’m trying to work on this with God. I’m also struggling with finding joy in what eight in front of me because what happens now affects the future. Another thing I’m trying to work on.
The part you wrote about self reliance and control freak hit the nail on the head for me. I didn’t realize this was my issue until now. I’ll be praying for you and me as well.
This is the perfect bible study for such a time as this. I have many fears and most are unfounded so I’m trying to keep them at bay. I can’t wait to dig deeper.
I am anxious about finding happiness and finding a relationship. I look around me and everyone else seems to have what I want to have but I can’t seem to obtain it. Im struggling with trust in God and wondering why He is punishing me or where he is
I just finished my first study. For the first time I really understood and felt deeply touched by the scripture. I can’t wait to do this again tomorrow. I believe my faith in God will only get better as I continue to study. Thank you God for bringing me to this study! I joyfully give you mighty thanks and praise!!
I’ve really been feeling anxious and scared. So much is going on in the world right now it can be overwhelming. This is my first study. I felt I really needed to hear this message. God has a plan for us and his plan is always better than we can imagine. I feel at ease knowing this.