In the midst of wars, rumors of wars, plagues and pandemics, dangerous weather patterns, earthquakes, and increasing persecution of believers, it’s time to do a foundation check. Be gut-wrenchingly honest with yourself and use scripture as a mirror.

• Do I feel like I’m sinking, or standing strong?

• Is my foundation built on what I can do, or what God has already done?

• Am I shrinking with fear, or rising to the challenge?

• Do I spend more time consuming media than devouring the Word of God?

• Am I sewing and growing the Fruits of the Spirit, or weeds and tares?

If your heart is fearful, body riddled with anxiety, and your mind consumed with overwhelm, it’s time to make a change. Regardless of our present circumstances, we are called to stand firm in Christ. While chaos reigns around us on all sides, we are called to root ourselves in Scripture. We are called to be vigilant against a very real and very active enemy whose greatest desire is to infect us with fear and worry.

Our children will follow our example when it comes to dealing with crises and chaos. Don’t be woeful–be a warrior! Use Scripture to speak into the lives of your family, and teach them to hide it in their hearts. Choose a family verse for this season, and memorize it together!

Psalm 121 is an excellent place to begin. Read it aloud together when you wake up, at every meal, then read it again at bedtime. Feel God’s peace that passes all understanding permeate your entire being! Watch your anxiety recede and rest easy in the arms of Jesus. These words of scripture won’t make our present circumstances change, but they will change our hearts. Allow the Holy Spirit into your home, your heart, your mind, and your family. Banish fear through purposeful prayer and worship.

Rather than leaving the TV on throughout the day (or staring at the smart phone), play worship music. Let it waft through your entire house and echo in the corners of your mind. These two things–reciting Psalm 121 and playing worship music–aren’t magic tricks, they are simple and powerful actions you can take to shift the atmosphere in your home. If not you, then who? If not now, then when?