Hey my friend welcome to the latest edition of my newsletter, thanks for being here! If this blesses you, share it with someone who needs it. They can sign up free at thelowkeychristian.com/newsletter. God bless you, now let's get into it.
This week's theme: Fear.
No long intro today. No story. This one is practical. You're going to read it in two minutes and then you're going to do something about it.
ONE THING TO DO TODAY WHEN FEAR SHOWS UP
When fear hits, most of us do one of three things.
We freeze. We go numb. We stare at the ceiling or the screen and do absolutely nothing because the weight of it pins us down.
We fight. We try to control everything. We make lists, send messages, Google symptoms, check our bank account seventeen times, and try to manage every variable as if enough preparation will make the fear disappear.
Or we flee. We scroll. We binge. We distract. We numb ourselves with noise so we don't have to sit with the discomfort.
None of those work. You know that because you've tried all three.
Here's what God says to do instead:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, tell God what you need. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
I used to read that verse and feel frustrated by it. "Don't be anxious about anything" felt like telling someone with a broken leg to stop limping. Thanks, really helpful.
But look at what comes after. Paul doesn't just say "stop being anxious." He gives you the replacement behaviour. He says: tell God what you need. With thanksgiving.
That's the one thing. When fear shows up, name it to God.
Not a polished prayer. Not a theological essay. Just an honest sentence.
"God, I'm scared about money right now."
"God, I don't know what's happening with my health and it's terrifying."
"God, I'm afraid I'm going to be alone."
Then add one thing you're thankful for. Just one. It doesn't have to be related to the fear. It could be as small as "thank You that I woke up today" or "thank You for the cup of tea in my hand right now."
This isn't toxic positivity. This is warfare. Because fear wants your full attention. And when you force yourself to thank God for one thing in the middle of the fear, you break its monopoly on your focus. You remind your brain that fear is not the whole picture. There is still good. God is still working. And your situation, however scary, is not the whole story.
The verse says that when you do this, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds." That word "guard" is a military word. It means God's peace will stand sentry over your mind like a soldier. Not because you earned it. Not because your prayer was good enough. But because you brought the fear to Him instead of carrying it alone.
That's it. That's today's whole message. Fear shows up. You name it. You thank God for one thing. And you let His peace do the guarding.
YOUR ONE THING FOR TODAY
Right now, before you put this down, do it. Say this out loud or whisper it under your breath: "God, I'm afraid of [name it]. But I thank You for [name one thing]." That's the whole exercise. Takes 10 seconds. Do it now. Don't wait until the fear gets loud tonight. Do it while it's manageable. Build the muscle when the weight is light.
OVER TO YOU
Did you do the exercise? What was the one thing you thanked God for? Hit reply and share it. Let's build a thread of gratitude today.
God bless you, my friend.
The LowKey Christian
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