What freaks you out? What keeps you up at night? Maybe you have never told anyone about your fears. Even those closest to you may not know what worries you the most.

According to Healthline.com, “Anxiety disorders are very common. They’re estimated to affect more than 30 percent of U.S. adults at some time in their lives.” That percentage reflects what the number of anxiety disorders were during “normal” times. Imagine what it must be now when you factor in the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic with the social unrest and the political bitterness of the last 11 months. The amount of anxiety is certainly even higher.

The list of known phobias (or terrors) is almost endless. I found a few that I didn’t expect to be on the list. For example, masklophobia, which is the fear of people in masks. If you have that phobia, you are in real trouble. Some people have koumpounophobia which is the fear of buttons. Here is one that seems more common: odontophobia is the fear of dentists and dental procedures.

It almost looks like our culture has become addicted to fear. That has probably always been true to some degree, but it seems to have gotten worse recently. I say that because as soon as one disaster appears to be improving, another looming tragedy is being predicted. For example, the number of Covid-19 cases may be decreasing, but now there are new mutations. The rioting may be over, but a third of the small business will probably close. Vaccines are becoming more available, but some people have had bad reactions to them. In other words, we are constantly being reminded that there is a lot more out there that can make us afraid.

Wouldn’t it be great if we could just take a deep breath, relax, and know that everything is going to be alright? That is possible. Keep reading if you want to know how you can have peaceful confidence in the future.

The pathway to peacefulness begins when we put our full trust in Jesus Christ. He invited us to do just that: “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). That is not an empty promise.

Jesus has the power and the authority to calm our fears because of who He is. “For by [Jesus] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16–17).

With your trust in Jesus Christ then, “The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (Proverbs 3:26).

What about those unexpected problems? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1–2).

What if we go through extreme, never-before-experienced problems? “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride” (Psalm 46:1–3).

A heart that has put its trust in Christ has an ever-growing affection for the Lord. His promises calm fears. “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere man do to me?” (Psalm 56:3–4).

You will never regret putting your trust in the Lord. Turn from your sin and follow Jesus because “… he who believes in Him will not be disappointed” (1 Peter 2:6).