How to Be #NotConsumed in Times of Crisis

Fear during times of crisis are real. But so is our God. Here are some things to remember so we’re not consumed by uncertainty and how to stay strong in the faith.

I was standing in the hallway of the GHS Children’s Hospital emergency room, scarfing down Chipotle and updating my pastor on Luke’s sudden health crisis, when the doctor delivered the news. 

Your son has a massive tumor in the 3rd ventricle, sitting on top of and intertwined in the hypothalamus.

My pastor would later retell the next few moments to look like this:

I nodded, swallowed a bite, and said, “Okay, what is the suggested course of action?” From there, we sprung into go-mode, signed papers, made decisions, scheduled surgery, and all of the necessary things.

I never flinched. Never shed a tear. I never had to sit down because my legs were weak. I even finished that lunch (because, after all, it was around 3 pm, and I KNEW food was needed to keep me strong enough to make decisions).

People made a lot of accusations about my “emotionless” response to such tragic news. But honestly, none of them were true.

It wasn’t that I thought it was happy to get the news that my son had a huge tumor in his brain. It also wasn’t that I was ignorant of the reality of the situation. (We had lost a dear friend just months prior to the same cancer.)

The reason I didn’t panic was that I had something more important to do.

What I knew in that moment was that we were in the fight of our lives. I had to be able to think and make intelligent decisions because my 6-year-old boy depended on me to do that. And because he was watching.

I knew that this fight probably wouldn’t end for him on this side of heaven. He will fight this tumor again and again. If he outlives it, he will fight subsequent issues from years of aggressive fighting.

If he was going to stand a chance, I had to help him understand how to rightly face life when the worst of situations haunts. 

I share this story with you today because I’m burdened by the wave of panic, uncertainty, and fear I see rising whenever a crisis hits—whether it’s personal, national, or global. In moments like these, social media lights up with anxiety and confusion, and I want to humbly address what Christians should—and should NOT—be doing in times of crisis.

Let me start by saying this isn’t an article that will tell you to ignore what’s happening and just live your life like nothing’s wrong. Nor is it a call to hoard supplies and prepare for the worst-case scenario at all costs.

Instead, this article is about what you SHOULD and SHOULDN’T do in the face of crisis so that your family can remain steady, grounded, and #NOTCONSUMED by the chaos around you.

What Christians Shouldn’t Do in Times of Crisis

Christians should NOT worry.

My friend, worry is a waste of precious time and emotion. But more importantly, worry is the practice of MEDITATING on lies! It’s completely unacceptable in the Christian’s life. (More on why below.)

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? (Luke 12:25-26)

Christians should NOT fear.

There’s a reason the Bible has over 365 admonitions to “not fear.” 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God has something better for us. To say it the other way around … fear is the ABSENCE of power, love, and self-control in our lives. Think about that!

Of course, let me concede, this command isn’t an easy one for us to obey. Fear comes naturally, especially when life feels uncertain or out of control. In times of crisis, it can be incredibly hard to silence that fear. If you’re struggling right now, I encourage you to keep reading. No matter what crisis we are facing, God is still in control, and we truly have NOTHING to fear.

Christians should NOT rely on their own strength and knowledge.

The reason the first two “should nots” I shared are so hard is that we often try to do them in our own strength. Left to ourselves, we are filled with fear and worry. Without Christ, we can’t truly push past that. In times like these, we desperately need to rely on Him for strength.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

We also need to rely on Christ for wisdom and discernment. If you haven’t noticed, there’s no shortage of information swirling around during a crisis. But let’s be honest—very few people have a clear picture of the full truth. Only God sees it all. That’s why it’s crucial we stay grounded in His Word and not lean on our own understanding. We must be careful not to become wise in our own eyes.

Christians should NOT hoard anything.

If you’re operating from a place of peace instead of panic, this likely won’t even be a temptation. But let me say it plainly: our security does not come from stockpiles or survival strategies. We don’t put our trust in 1,500 rolls of toilet paper, emergency kits, or packed pantries.

No amount of supplies can guarantee your safety in a crisis. While I know most people aren’t hoarding with bad intentions, the behavior often comes from a mindset that says, “I’ve got to take care of me first and only.” But that’s not the way of Christ.

Get what you need. Be wise. But always remember—others have needs too. A Christian can NEVER take the stance of “every man for himself.”

But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? (1 John 3:17)

What Christians Should Do in Times of Crisis

Christians should get on their knees & pray.

We need to be in fervent prayer always, but especially during times of uncertainty. If nothing else, for the sake of our hearts. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us that we are not to be anxious about anything, but rather present it to God in prayer. By doing so, we can live in peace. If we choose not to, we will be consumed with the fear and worry that surrounds us in this world.

Here are just a few things we can be praying for in times of crisis:

• for your own strength/peace
• for health in your family
• for protection and healing in your neighborhood and community
• for first responders—especially those in medical care
• for wisdom and clarity for our government leaders
• for businesses and travelers affected by cancellations or economic impact
• for revival in our country
• for opportunities to witness

Make a list of these things and hang them on the fridge or put them at the dinner table. You can take turns praying for different things, or you can run down the list in your own way.

Prayer is our protection against fear and anxiety. Do it often!

Christians should meditate on the character of God.

If you find it difficult to trust God, it’s most likely because you don’t KNOW who He really is. I hate that reality in my own life as there have been many times where trust was difficult. But the truth remains. When we don’t trust God, it’s really because we can’t see how trustworthy He is and how good He is.

Here are a few things we need to remember:

• GOD (alone) is your refuge, strength, and help in times of trouble. The absence of difficult things will not protect you. Only God does that (Psalm 46:1-3).
• God is not surprised by anything, so don’t act like He doesn’t have everything under HIS control (Psalm 139).
• God is ONLY and ALWAYS good (Romans 8:28-32).
• God is fully sovereign. He has all knowledge and authority over both natural and supernatural forces of this world (Hebrews 2:8, Isaiah 46:10).
• Death has NO sting, and Heaven is a wonderful place. As Christians, we need to be careful that we don’t fear death. Of course, that doesn’t mean we should want to die, nor does it mean we won’t miss our loved ones. But death is the best thing that can happen to us, and we need to remember that truth (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
• God has called you by name, and you will NOT be consumed by this or any other crisis in your life (Isaiah 43:1-2)!

Make a list of God’s promises. Recount the ways He has been faithful and celebrate His goodness as a family! You may have a little extra time together to do this. Don’t rehash all the hard stuff over and over again. Instead, focus on these truths!

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2)

Christians should act like Christians.

Now—perhaps more than ever—is not the time to abandon the walk Christ has called us to. In the middle of any crisis, big or small, we’re still called to be salt and light. Share the toilet paper. Check in on your neighbors. Love deeply. Serve generously. Above all, BE KIND.

Don’t get swept up in chasing false information or stirring up arguments on social media. Don’t spend your days meditating on every worst-case scenario that might happen.

Spread hope, light, and the gospel. Do it through your words and live it in your actions.

Christians should look for the joy in this.

No matter the situation, we are called to walk in contentment. We’re called to choose joy and give thanks—even in uncertainty. In times of crisis, this mindset becomes even more essential, especially as we model it for our families.

If a crisis has you at home for a season, maximize the extra time you have together. Maximize the extra time you get with your kids! If school is canceled, this is a precious gift to your family. If activities are canceled, this is also a precious gift of time for your family.

Some crises go beyond inconvenience—they uproot. If you find yourself displaced, even temporarily, I want to remind you: God has not forgotten you. Whether you’re staying with friends, in a hotel, or navigating uncertainty about where you’ll land next, you are still held in His hands.

Home isn’t just a place—it’s the people you’re with, and the presence of God that goes before you and surrounds you. This season may feel fragile or overwhelming, but even here, you can find moments of peace, purpose, and even joy.

Lean into community. Let others help. Let your family see what it looks like to trust God when everything familiar is shaken. This might not be the season you expected, but it could be one that grows your faith in ways you never imagined.

In every crisis, we have a choice: to be consumed by fear or to stand strong in faith. My prayer is that you choose well. May you lean into the strength of Christ, love your people well, and shine His light in a world that desperately needs hope. This season may feel uncertain, but we serve a God who never changes. He is faithful. He is near. He is more than enough for whatever you’re facing.

Want to hold on to joy—even in the hard things?

One of the best ways to do that is by remembering. When we stop and reflect on God’s faithfulness, our perspective shifts. A tangible reminder of God’s goodness, for ourselves and our children can help. That’s why we created the Stones of Remembrance Journal. It’s a beautiful way to document how God has worked in your life—through trials, blessings, and everything in between.

If you’re looking for joy in the midst of crisis, start by remembering what He’s already done.