God Is Our Refuge in Times of Anxiety

Letter From the Pastor

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God Is Our Refuge in Times of Anxiety 

Summary: When the world feels uncertain, God invites us to bring our anxiety to Him and receive peace, reminding us that He is our constant refuge and strength in every storm.

When the world feels unstable—when policies seem harsh, when fear rises, and when headlines shake our sense of safety—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Anxiety creeps in when we feel powerless or uncertain about the future. But Scripture offers us an anchor: we are not alone, and we are not without hope.

The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:6–7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

This is not a call to ignore fear, but an invitation to bring it to God. We’re told not to carry our worry alone but to surrender it in prayer—and in return, receive peace that transcends understanding.

The Psalmist echoes this in Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Notice that it doesn’t say God will prevent trouble—but that God will be present in it. God doesn’t promise a storm-free life but offers to be our shelter when the storm hits.

Whatever weighs on your heart today—concern for immigrants and refugees, fear about the direction of our country, or uncertainty about your own future—remember that our peace doesn’t come from policy, popularity, or power. It comes from God, who holds the world (and us) in love.

So take a deep breath. You are not alone. God is with us, and God is our refuge.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Anny+

The Rev. Dr. Anny Genato+

Rector

St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church