Be alert. Not alarmed.

My niece shared this excellent advice with me. It is so true! We need to be alert, but not alarmed.

Alert: to be quick to perceive and act.

And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!

Mark 13:33

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. 

1 Peter 5:8-9

Alarmed: cause (someone) to feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.

It is the Lord Who goes before you; He will [march] with you; He will not fail you or let you go or forsake you; [let there be no cowardice or flinching, but] fear not, neither become broken [in spirit — “depressed, dismayed, and unnerved with alarm].

Deuteronomy 31:8

I scrounged scripture, looking for anything that said I should live in a state of alarm. I couldn’t find it. I am commanded to be alert and ready, but not alarmed. Alarm comes with its companion fear and fear is not my friend.

While there is so much fear around us right now, I recommend turning in faith to the only one who can keep us safe. My heart is heavy for anyone who feels the strangling grip of fear.

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Isaiah 26:3

Fix your thoughts on Jesus and his constant provision for you!