"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety." [2 Timothy 1:7]
The use of sobriety here is means "clear-headedness," one being self-possessed and have self control. Sometimes, when we are propelled by fear, we don't see things in their true reality. We may hyperbolize, exeragerrate, or merely react (flight or fight!). We may lack scope and perspective, in light of eternal truths.
A simple glance on the news reveals a world spiraling out of control. The spirit of fear is largely at work.
First, get away from the news if it's making you paranoid, panicky, anxious, worried or fearful! Your first priority is your spiritual life, not the latest updates with this rapidly-changing political atmosphere and pandemic.
With that, I created a short video guiding you with 3 steps toward maintaining your peace (and therefore joy!) in the midst of it all.
1. Be in a state of grace.
2. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
3. Practice abandonment to God's Divine Providence
I give a brief explanation of what each of these means and how to make spiritual practices of these.
I hope you find them helpful!
Here are some books I recommend, related to and elaborating more upon what I've shared:
Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales
Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke
Abandonment to Divine Providence by Fr. Jean Pierre de Caussade
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