How do you respond when you get disturbing news? Often, distressing news of a loss, either of relative or material possessions, natural disasters, insecurity, or an economic downturn, can make us scared, worried, troubled, or depressed. The suddenness and unpreparedness of such events elicit fearful reactions from us. Moreover, the media today is filled with terrifying news worldwide: terrorists declaring war in different regions, natural disasters caused by climate change, the threat of global economic meltdown, and nations invading nations. All these and more seem to signal the end of the age, although the future is yet to come.
As believers, these unfolding events should not raise fear in our hearts, but instead, they should propel us to be prepared and focus on the Lord. We ought to examine ourselves introspectively through the searchlight of the Bible. The destruction and devastation that follows these happenings may cause us to be troubled. However, we are to pray in anticipation that God averts these occurrences, forgetting that they are prophecies that will come to pass. We should not panic but rather place our confidence and trust in Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, help my heart not to be troubled during bad times. Enable me to keep my eyes fixed on You alone and not on what is happening around me. Fill my heart with the spirit of courage in place of fear. In the name of Jesus, I will not be discouraged nor given to despair. Help me to make the best use of my time and resources in propagating the gospel and doing things that please the Lord. 
In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.