Joy Wasted with KB Dickey

It’s wild how quickly fear spreads when tragedy strikes the news. One moment, life feels normal. The next, a headline, a breaking news alert, or even just a conversation in passing has people gripped with panic. And let’s be real—none of us are immune to it. I know I’m not.

I stopped watching the news back in high school. Even then, I wasn’t really indulging in it; it was just on in the house, playing in the background like an uninvited guest. These days, though? You can’t escape it. Social media, TV, radio, newspapers, conversations at work, even random junk mail—it’s like negativity is constantly finding ways to creep in. The world is on edge, and people are truly scared.

And what’s worse? People aren’t just feeling fear—they’re spreading it, elevating these “scared” frequencies like a contagious plague. One person panics, and before you know it, that energy transfers to everyone around them. Fear thrives in chaos, and right now, the world is feeding it nonstop. But here’s the truth: just because fear is loud doesn’t mean we have to listen.

Fear vs. Anxiety: Know the Difference

Here’s the thing—we need to distinguish between fear and anxiety, because they are not the same.

• Fear is a real and present danger happening right now. It’s immediate. It’s life-threatening. Your instincts kick in because there’s something happening in the moment that requires action.
• Anxiety, on the other hand, is worrying about something that might happen in the future—something you don’t even know will or won’t come to pass. And in the meantime, it drains your peace, your energy, and your ability to live fully today.

You cannot live in faith and worry at the same time. They simply don’t mix.

Keeping Your Eyes on Faith

Remember the story of Peter? He was literally walking on water. Defying logic. Performing the impossible. But the second he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the storm around him, he started sinking. That’s exactly what happens when we let anxiety take over. We lose sight of the One who keeps us steady.

Matthew 14:29-31 (NIV):
“‘Come,’ he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’”

Peter was already doing the impossible. His faith had him walking on water. But the moment he focused on the storm instead of Jesus, fear took over, and he started sinking. That’s exactly what happens when we let anxiety steal our peace—we lose our footing.

I’ll admit—sometimes the news gets to me. I feel that anxiety creeping up. But I snap out of it fast. I pray. I remind myself who is in control. I don’t have to know every outcome, because God already does.

So when anxiety starts knocking at your door, don’t answer it. Speak life over yourself. Say scriptures, affirmations, or anything that strengthens your soul. Anxiety is a thief, stealing your joy, your health, your peace, your belief. And guess what? It is not from the Kingdom. Kick it out!

As I write this, I’m encouraging myself too. I see the attacks for what they are, and the second you recognize them, you have the power to cast them out. Speak to your anxiety. Stand in faith. You shall live and not die. You shall have life and have it abundantly. And no fear-based news cycle can take that away from you.

Now go reclaim your peace. 🙌🏾✨

Be Encouraged, Joy Junkie!