The world continues to fracture at a rapid pace. Unfortunately it seems to be our new normal. Though it’s clear we live in an ever-changing world, we don’t have to live in anxiety and fear. We can live with peace and hope in our hearts amidst uncertain times by looking up, and anchoring our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, who is our life.

But what does that mean? How do we keep our hearts and minds anchored in Christ amidst the chaos of today’s world?

It’s a discipline that depends on focus. To have our hearts and minds anchored in Christ, we must focus first and foremost on the reality of our God. When we look at Paul’s words to the Colossians in chapter 3, we find four truths that will help us stay centered on Christ in uncertain times.

Focus on His Connection to You

Colossians 3:1-4 reads, “If then you were raised with Christ . . . your life is hidden with Christ . . . you also will appear with Him in glory” (emphasis added).

I’ve emphasized the word with to show just how critical it is in this frame of thinking. With is a word of connection, our lifeline to Christ. When He died, we died with Him. When He was buried, so were we. And we shared in His glorious resurrection, so that now we can be seated in the heavenlies with Him.

When the Bible says that Jesus died for us, it doesn’t mean simply that He died on our behalf; it means He died in our place. He died where we should have died. Just as Adam was the personal embodiment of our fall into sin, Christ is the personal embodiment of our salvation and glory. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). We fell with Adam, but we were resurrected with Christ.

Do you see the importance of that little word with in our spiritual destiny?

Focus on His Control over Everything that Concerns You

What image comes to your mind when you think of Jesus? Do you think of the uninspiring media stereotype of “gentle Jesus,” a rather weak teacher? Or do you imagine the risen and ascended Lord, the glorious one in whose name “every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11)?

Mental images make a difference. The reality is Jesus is risen, He sits at the right hand of the Father, and when we see Him again, He will be revealed in all His magnificence. When we focus the attentions on the Lord, on His power and authority, our faith surges. I love the way Eugene Peterson captures it in his creative paraphrase of Ephesians 1:20-23:

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, Christ rules the church. The church, you see, is no peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence (MSG).

Let those words soak through your mind for a few minutes. Afterward, I challenge you—no, I dare you—to feel the same anxiety over the state of current affairs. Our Lord sits enthroned at the center of this universe, ruling all things. Do you think He can handle the threat of terrorism? He defeated death itself. Do you feel confident He could sort out a tough election year? All nations, all creatures will bow before Him. Under His protection, do we have anything to fear?

Even when the world seems to spin out of control, be calm: this is only how it seems. In reality, Almighty God is still on His throne, and in the words of the old spiritual, “He’s got the whole world in His hands.”

Focus on His Care for You

Colossians 3:3 reads, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Hidden. Just as your hand might gently enfold a rose petal, God’s hand gently enfolds you—again, with Christ. The phrase is “with Christ in God.” I certainly can‘t think of a more secure place to be.

I don’t feel secure about my own abilities. I have no ultimate faith in our economy, our military prowess, or anything else in this poor, fallen world. But in Christ, I do feel utterly safe and secure. He is my rock, my shelter in a storm.

Note that we are not commanded to hide ourselves in God. Your life “is hidden.” In other words—done! This is an accomplished fact, not something for which to anxiously hope. If you are a Christ-follower, then you are with Christ in God, and you are ultimately free and safe. Next time you feel worried, go somewhere alone and simply reflect on that.

Focus on His Commitment to You

Colossians 3:4, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

Part of being with Christ is becoming more like Him. Today, we are being transformed to something just a bit closer to His image, but when He returns in glory, the change will be sudden and dramatic. He will come in His glorious resurrection body, and we will then have perfect resurrection bodies too.

Paul reiterates this point that Christ will “transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). Does that sound good to you?

As we grow older, we have a deepening appreciation for bodily wellness. I don’t know about you, but my “tent” is growing a bit more tattered all the time. One day I get to trade it in for a new and deluxe model. This is Christ’s commitment to me and to you as well. Place your faith in Him, and you will be fully and wonderfully renewed—spirit, mind, and body—upon His return.

When we are centered on Christ, focused on who He is and the promises He has given us, no mass shooting, no terrorist attack, no level of persecution can taint the tiniest drop of that peace, joy, and love. Give Christ your mind and your heart. Invest yourself in the things that matter to Him. You’ll find a whole new world, one ruled perfectly and lovingly by our Lord—and pretty soon, you’ll understand that the events of this earthly life are just as firmly in His wonderful hands.