Difficult and trying times may easily ignite feelings of worry, fear and anxiety.  I remember recently when the price of gasoline hit $5 per gallon, and I thought to myself, “Oh my gosh!  We’ve been in a frightening pandemic for two years, and now this?!  What else can go wrong in this life we’re all living on Earth?” Deep down, I felt afraid that the bad and hurtful forces of life were getting out of control.

But then some days later, I chose to look at life at a much deeper level, using the great New Church theology we have been given, and I opened up prayerfully toward the Lord.  Inside of my soul I looked upward toward the Lord our God and I asked Him to center my heart and mind on eternal truths, truths I have learned to trust very deeply, and I asked God, “Lord, I am afraid, and I feel like the darker forces of the hells are attacking me, pushing me to feel fear and anxiety. But, I trust in you, O Lord, for my life is in your hands, and my heart is stayed on you!”