Dealing with Dread
Author: Rev. Tom Frost
In these topsy-turvy days, one of the things that I notice in myself is the feeling that I am not in control. My normal routines are gone. This tiny virus that is so small that we can’t see, it has completely upended our way of life. I learned today that this is part of what psychologists call “existential dread.”
I read an article this morning from Philip Chard, a psychotherapist and author, entitled “Existential Dread and How to Face It” (you can find it online at https://shepherdexpress.com/advice/out-of-my-mind/existential-dread-and-how-to-face-it/).
Chard says that existential dread “is driven by fear of the unknown, but not just any unknown. This fear emerges when one’s way of life and the well-being of oneself and loved ones feel under assault…”
Chard offers a number of steps we can take to deal with this existential dread. I was particularly struck by the following suggestion:
Continue, resume or begin a contemplative practice, such as meditation, journaling or centering prayer. These approaches, particularly mindfulness meditation, lower stress, reduce emotional reactivity and ground one’s moment-to-moment awareness in the present. Dread, by its nature, hijacks our thoughts, propelling them into an uncertain and seemingly dangerous future. By spending more mental time in the here and now, we reduce “what if?” thinking and the dark ruminations it engenders.
Mystics have been saying this for thousands of years! This is the approach to prayer in which we simply allow ourselves to “be with” God, to be aware of God’s presence with us. By simply spending time with God, we open ourselves to receive the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” that “will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Suggestions for Meditation and Prayer
Take a few moments to breathe deeply. Then read and re-read the following words of assurance from Isaiah 43:
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
For I am the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Because you are precious in my sight,
and honored, and I love you,
I give people in return for you,
nations in exchange for your life.
Do not fear, for I am with you …
About Rev. Tom Frost:
I retired from full-time ministry in June 2019. Since November 1, 2020, I have been serving as the interim pastor of the Southern Albemarle Charge in the Charlottesville District (Mt. Zion UMC and Scottsville UMC). I am enrolled in the Spiritual Guidance Program at the Shalem Institute in Washington, D.C. and serve as a Spiritual Director. I also serve on the Board of Managers of the Virginia United Methodist Development Company.
