When the World Feels Out of Control, God Is Not
If you’ve been feeling stressed, anxious, or worn down by everything happening around us in 2026, you’re not alone.
We’re living in a time when the news never stops. Violence makes headlines. Nations threaten one another. Political tension spills across borders. Add that to everyday pressures, family concerns, finances, health, work, and it’s no wonder we are feeling overwhelmed.
But today, instead of looking at the chaos, I want to look at what God says about who is actually in control.
God Has Never Lost Control
The world may feel unstable, but Scripture is clear: God is still on the throne.
“The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
— Psalm 103:19
God is not reacting to events as they unfold. Nothing catches Him by surprise. Empires rise and fall, leaders come and go, but God’s authority remains unchanged.
“He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.”
— Daniel 2:21
That doesn’t mean everything happening is good. It means God is greater than what is happening.
Peace Doesn’t Come From Fewer Problems
We often think peace will come when circumstances improve, when the conflict stops, when the stress eases, when life settles down.
But the Bible teaches something very different.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
— Isaiah 26:3
Peace isn’t found in ignoring reality. It’s found in trusting God instead of staring at the problem.
Jesus Himself said:
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.”
— John 14:27
The world offers temporary relief. God offers peace that passes understanding.
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:7
That peace doesn’t depend on headlines, markets, or governments. It depends on trust.
Where We Put Our Focus Matters
Constantly consuming fear-driven news will shape your heart, whether you realize it or not. God doesn’t tell us to pretend problems don’t exist. He tells us not to let them rule our thoughts.
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7
When we shift our focus from the size of the problem to the greatness of God, something changes inside us.
We Are Called to Pray, Not Panic
Scripture is clear about our responsibility during uncertain times.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…”
— 1 Timothy 2:1–2
We are called to pray for our country. We are called to pray for our leaders.
We are called to ask God to give them wisdom, not just power.
Prayer doesn’t mean blind approval. It means trusting God to work through imperfect people for His purposes.
A Final Reminder
The problems are real. The stress is real. But God is more real than all of it.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— Psalm 46:10
Stillness is an act of faith. Trust is a choice.
When the world feels loud and unstable, return to what has always been true, written, and proven in the Bible:
God is in control. God is faithful. And God promises peace to those who trust Him.
Heavenly Father, We come to You acknowledging that You are God, and we are not.
You see everything that is happening in our world, in our country, and in our own lives, nothing is hidden from You.
When fear rises and peace feels far away, help us to remember that You are still in control. Guard our hearts and minds from anxiety. Teach us to trust You more than we trust what we see.
We pray for our nation. We ask that You would guide it according to truth and righteousness. We lift up our leaders at every level and ask that You would grant them wisdom, humility, and discernment to do what is right, not what is popular.
For those who are hurting, afraid, or overwhelmed, we ask for the peace that only You can give, the peace that passes all understanding. Help us to be people who pray instead of panic, who trust instead of fear, and who stand firm in faith during uncertain times.
We place our lives, our families, and our future in Your hands, knowing You are faithful.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Let me know your thoughts.
