If you watch the news or are even briefly on social media, then you know about all the things going on in the world today. It is good to be aware of wars, conflicts, and even natural disasters, but it should not overwhelm your day-to-day living. You can easily become anxious and fearful when you hear the details of the terrorist attack in Israel and/or the war in Ukraine, for example. A caller on the Ramsey Show asked, “How do we prepare for all the turmoil in the world right now?” What followed was a great discussion that hopefully will give you perspective during world turmoil.

Jade’s Answer

I really appreciated Jade’s answer. She simply states that she focuses on what she can control versus what she cannot. We can control our actions and reactions with practice. Self-control does not come naturally. We control our finances. Paying off debt, saving money, spending money, and investing are all decisions that we can make for ourselves. On the other hand, Jade accepts what she cannot control. Like us, she cannot control what happens in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, or even in our own state of Texas. However, she can choose to be generous with her time or money. She can pray. Jade’s perspective is how we need to process these awful world events.

Dave’s Answer

For the most part, Dave Ramsey agreed with his co-host. He used the term, “Control the Controllables.” Then he uses the example of the recent pandemic and even the events on 9-11 to illustrate that we have gotten through tough times before. His point is that one day the war in Ukraine and even the terrorist attack in Israel will all be a blip in a history text one day. There has always been turmoil in the world. Tragedy, wars, and disasters are common.

Are you Anxious?

If you find that you are dealing with increased anxiety, take their advice. What can you control? Then accept what you cannot control. Hopefully you will realize that you actually control very little beyond yourself. In some ways that is very freeing. You aren’t in control, but do you know who is? God. He is sovereign, which means that He possesses supreme authority, and He is also all-powerful. So we can pray to Him. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). It also says in 1 Peter 5:7, “…casting your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” He wants you to tell him what you are feeling. God cares about you, about what’s going on in the world, and more. But notice, He also wants us to ask things “with thanksgiving.”

So this brings me to the final advice for changing your perspective during world turmoil—focus on gratitude. What are you grateful for? Where is God blessing you? Keep your eyes focused on what He has done for you instead of the evil occurring in the world. If that is all you are feeding your mind each day, then take Dave’s advice and turn off the television or news podcast. Instead, read the Bible, go on a walk, fill up a gratitude journal, or soak up some sunshine. These actions will help melt away anxiety. In fact, a grateful heart is not an anxious one.

These small changes can make a big difference in your life, especially if you are fearful or anxious. A little shift in your focus can give you a different perspective. It doesn’t mean that we don’t care or ignore the plights of fellow humans. Instead, we lift them up in prayer to the One who can change things. Then we see where we can make a difference with a grateful heart.