How to Cope When the World Shakes

When the world spins out of control, God's peace keeps us grounded.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

Isaiah 26:3

DEVO:

Wars rage. Nations fall. The news is a constant stream of tragedy, division, and uncertainty. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious, even hopeless. For those in early recovery, it can be triggering. The chaos outside can stir the old chaos within. But child of God—lift your eyes. There is an Anchor stronger than the storm.

The Lord never promised this world would be peaceful. In fact, Jesus said the opposite: “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars… but see that you are not troubled” (Matthew 24:6). How? How can we not be troubled when everything feels like it’s falling apart?

How? It's simply because we have the Prince of Peace... Jesus the Messiah... living in all of us who believe and follow Him, through His Holy Spirit!

When your mind stays fixed on the Lord—on His faithfulness, His Word, His promises —peace follows. It's not fleeting peace, but perfect peace that defies logic and transcends circumstances and human understanding. It’s not found in scrolling headlines or stockpiling supplies. It’s found in knowing who holds the future.

This is the time to draw nearer to Jesus. It's time to truly dwell in the secret place of the Most High (Psalm 91:1), to hide His Word in your heart, to keep your eyes off the storm and locked onto Jesus, like Peter walking on water.

The world may shake. But we do not. We stand—because He holds us.

VERSES FOR MEDITATION:

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”

John 14:1

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Psalm 118:6

“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:2

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & JOURNALING:

  1. What news or world events have been stirring anxiety in you lately?

  2. Are you spending more time consuming fear or building your faith?

  3. What would change in your daily routine if you really trusted God with the world’s future?

  4. How can you become a messenger of peace instead of panic?

  5. Who needs encouragement from you today... a word to help them fix their eyes back on Jesus?

TODAY'S GOAL:

Turn off the noise and tune in to the truth. Limit your intake of news and social media today. Instead, spend that time in the Word, in prayer, or encouraging someone else. Anchor yourself in the peace of God, and choose to trust HIM with the world He created.

Believer Proverbs 3:5 where the Word of God (Jesus) says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;"

PRAYER:

Abba Father, when the world feels like it’s falling apart, anchor me in Your peace. Help me to keep my mind stayed on You and not on the chaos. Replace fear with faith, and anxiety with Your assurance. I know You are still in control, still good, and still coming soon to rescue us. Help me shine Your light in these dark days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.