A lot of change has been taking place in the world these days and I honestly don’t know where to start. How can one thing change the world so drastically? It happened so fast. I remember hearing about it but I didn’t think it was going to turn out to be that big of a deal. And then the whole world seemed to be in a panic and everything was shutting down. (Yes, I’m talking about COVID-19.) It still feels so unreal to me. My plans have been put on hold and there’s nothing I can do. I know I’m not the only one being affected by this pandemic. We have had to make some tough decisions here at Rock-N-Water concerning the virus.
Maybe your plans have been changed, too. Whether you are working from home, still braving the outside world and working your job, or finding yourself without a job, I’m sure COVID-19 has changed your life too. I’ve seen how many people’s first response has been to panic. Even as Christians, it’s easy to find ourselves wrestling with overwhelming thoughts of fear and anxiety as things in the world begin to look different. (Now, why this has resulted in the overbuying of toilet paper, I will never understand. And, as my family is now approaching our last roll, it has created another problem… but I digress..)
This morning I opened up my Bible to Psalm 138. I wasn’t expecting the Psalm I read to be so perfect for this crazy time we are in. As I read it it was almost as if the Psalmist could be referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. I found it so encouraging and I want to share it with you all to remind you not to give in to the panic and fear like so many have, but to keep trusting in God during this time.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:7-8
We aren’t facing the same troubles as the Psalmist but we sure are facing many troubles. For some this virus is life-threatening. For others, the order to stay at home is trouble in itself. With businesses closing, many people are finding themselves in a financial crisis. But whatever the trouble is, God says that he will always preserve our life. God’s not a God who lets things just happen and leaves us on our own to fend for ourselves. God is a God who protects us. He promises to keep us safe amidst the most dangerous of situations. And He has a plan for everything! His purposes will not fail. The outbreak of COVID-19 isn’t messing with God’s plans, rather, the COVID-19 is a part of God’s plan for this world. God is in control, we can trust Him.
I wanted to just share a few other verses with you all that have comforted me during this trying/interesting time. May these verses help you keep trusting God and find peace in God rather than turning to anxiety and fear.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5
I’m sure you’re familiar with this popular verse about trusting in God. It’s one we can cling to during this time. May it encourage you to keep trusting in God during this time. He’s got a plan for all of that’s going on.
“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
When our plans fail, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s plans never fail. We can plan all we want but God is the one working and everything happening is a part of His plan. Even this virus is a part of His plan for us.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10
In this time when you may be finding yourself with more time on your hands then you know what to do with, take some time to rest in the stillness of God. Let this be a time to renew your love for God and trust that God is going to be exalted through what’s going on.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” Matthew 6:25
We have no reason to be anxious and worry. God is looking out for us. He takes care of the birds of the air and the flowers of the field, how much more does He care for you and me. We can rest in God and let go of all our worries.
“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, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillippians 4:6-7
God’s peace can be ours during this time! When you take your worries and anxieties to God he will give you his peace. If your struggling with worry go to God in prayer and thank God for all the good things He’s done for you and ask Him for His peace during this time.
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,” Deuteronomy 7:9
God is faithful! He has been faithful to all his children throughout every generation. Spend some time dwelling on God’s faithfulness to you and trust that He is going to be faithful in this situation too.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
God knows all of your needs and He will take care of them. If you’re out of toilet paper, God even knows about that need and He can provide that for you too. Don’t let yourself be caught up in worrying about your needs, rather take them to God and He will provide for you.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
I will end with this sweet reminder from Jeremiah. God has a beautiful plan for you. Even when so many plans of ours are being changed or dashed completely, God’s plans will always remain the same. God’s plans for you are good! God is using all that’s going in the world with the COVID-19 for his good purposes. So let’s choose to trust God during this time and rest in the promises that God gives us in his word.
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