How to Stay Calm When You Just Want to Hide

A battle rages in my mind- should I check the news and be informed? Or should I fight to keep my anxiety in check and ignore what is going on around me? Honestly, sometimes I just want to hide. But, instead, I did something that helped me, and I think will help you too . I found four answers to the question of how to stay calm when you just want to hide.

A turning point for me was realizing that I could take steps to stay calm. Although voices are crying, “panic”, all around me, I do not have to follow them.

In fact, now I see that it is a war. So, I decided to enter the battle – for my peace. Do you want to join me?

Stay Calm by Guarding Our Hearts

A while ago, I learned I cannot control how other people act. However, I can control how I respond. You’ve probably discovered that too.

So why not apply that principle to our reactions to the events in the world? While we have limited influence on them, we can control our thoughts and reactions.

We are on solid ground here. Look what the Bible says:

"Above all else, guard your heart, 
for everything you do flows from it."
(Proverbs 4:23 NLT)

The Hebrew word for heart used in this verse is lêb. It means the inner person, the mind, or the soul. It is used for our thoughts and feelings. It is the center of everything.[i]

So, guarding our hearts is critical, don’t you agree?

To do that, we can choose which filter we use to process the contents of our hearts.

There are a lot of options. The one most important to me is what I know to be true about God. Filtering what is in my heart in this way allows me to stay calm even in challenging situations. (No hiding is required.)

Remembering That I’m Not Alone Helps

Sometimes I feel surrounded by tragic circumstances. Whether they are due to a pandemic, or situations in my personal life, I can feel alone, even abandoned.

From there, I can enter into a swift descent into anxiety or depression. But this truth about God helps to stop the process.

He is with us.

This is such an essential truth that one of the names of Jesus is Immanuel, which means God with us.

We are never alone.

Have you wondered if there is a time limit to this promise?

Jesus promised that no one would be able to snatch His follower from His hand. (John 10:27-29). As a result, we can be peaceful, knowing that we will never be without Him – for all eternity.

Reflecting on Who is in Charge Helps Us Stay Calm

As I am writing this, some are proclaiming that the world is hurtling into chaos. Unfortunatley, there seems to be a magnetic attraction to this bleak assessment.

We can resist the pull to follow the crowd. Instead, we can intentionally step back and choose to reflect on who really is in charge – God.

In Genesis 1, we see He victoriously created order and life out of chaos.

But, is God still in charge?

I believe the answer is yes!

"But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of his heart through all generations."
(Psalm 33:11 NIV)

We can be encouraged because His good, sovereign plan will unfold, no matter how out of control events may appear.

You might enjoy this post that considers if God is still working.

Pray, Pray, Pray

Prayer is one of the most potent weapons in our fight to keep calm.

Jesus showed us its importance when He frequently took time alone to pray.

When we feel exhausted, depressed, anxious, or helpless, we can tell God in our prayers. He will hear us.

We also have the privilege and responsibility to pray for others.

 “In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. 
Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. 
Keep your eyes open.” (Ephesians 6:18 MSG)

Paul gives us a broader understanding of the others. His instructions may seem difficulty to follow.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. 
Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 
2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives
 marked by godliness and dignity.” 
(1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT) 

It’s much easier to pray for leaders, or anyone in authority, who we agree with or support. And yet, Paul’s words are clear.

Once we pray, we remove our worry and give it to the One who can do the impossible. As a result, we can stay calm.

For more about the importance of prayer, Click here to hear Tauren Wells’ song When We Pray

In summary, we can stay calm by:

• Guarding our hearts.
• Remembering that we are not alone.
• Reflecting on who is really in charge.
• Praying.

Do I follow these steps perfectly? Not yet! But when I realize I am feeling stressed, depressed or anxious, I just return to what I know works. So I’m definitely a work in progress.

I hope these suggestions helped you. I would love to hear in the comments below.

  [i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3820/kjv/wlc/0-1/ accessed 8/19/2021 at 1400