None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing–nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable–absolutely NOTHING can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our master has embraced us (Romans 8:38-39 MSG).

I’d like to introduce you to a little game I like to play with myself called, “What’s the Worst that Could Happen?”

It’s quite simple really: take whatever situation that’s causing you anxiety, give it an honest look, and ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen?” Then name that worst thing.

The beginnings of this game sprouted from a young Jessica’s need to feel prepared for all eventualities. It definitely harbors the potential for catastrophizing, but somewhere along the way I began using it as a way of anchoring myself in the Truth rather than spiraling straight into anxiety.

Examples of The Worst, in no particular order:

• Gas, grocery, and utility prices continue to rise to unaffordable levels
• Something major goes wrong with/in my house and/or car that is outside of my ability to fix
• World leaders incite WWIII and life as we currently know it ceases to exist

I named them, and now I check my receipts:

My receipts say that God has

• provided for all of my needs my whole life.
• surrounded me with friends and family with all kinds of useful skills and who are willing to help me.
• made the world and has been in control of it from its inception, and He has yet to abandon His people in times of crisis on any level, be it global, national, or local.

Historically I’ve played “What’s the Worst That Can Happen?" on a more personal level: 

• Someone I love betrays me
• I or someone I love has a major health crisis
• I or someone I love dies

The Receipt?

Even when The Worst happens, I remain secure in the embrace of Jesus.

The Worst eventually comes around to all of us, but the truth in Romans 8 about the security we have in Christ cuts through even the most personal and painful of noises.

Jesus has already won, and absolutely nothing this broken world throws at us can get between us and God’s love!

The next time anxiety starts playing out all the possible worst case scenarios in your head, play your own round of “What’s the Worst That Could Happen?” Name it honestly, then check your receipts. 

Remember what God has already done, remember who He is, and remember that even The Worst cannot separate you from Him.

Lord, when we’re tempted to spiral into fear, help us anchor ourselves in Your truth. Remind us of Your faithfulness and help us trust that whatever comes, we are never outside the embrace of Your love. Amen.