I think it’s safe to say our world is currently flipped upside down. Life is a little uncertain and what was once our “normal” feels very out of the ordinary.
Our routines have changed. Our schedules are inconsistent. Our workspace looks different. Our finances may be questionable. Our whole life seems shaky and unpredictable.
Luckily, there is an answer for all the unknowns. We have a firm, strong foundation to stand on and we can rest in the unshakable hope of our Father.
Choose Faith
Hearing the news of this current virus situation and all the new changes we needed to make to be safe, was disheartening and confusing to say the least. I’m sure we all went into this “quarantine life” wondering a lot of things.
How long will it last? How dangerous is this virus? What happens if I get it?
I think it’s safe to say that we all had a lot of questions running through our minds. Even those of us that aren’t total control freaks, wanted to have a tighter grip on this uncontrollable situation.
Not having control, mixed with confusion, often leads us to panic and experience true fear and anxiety. I’m not a natural worrier or anxious person, but this situation has caused even me to experience those things. As humans, it’s natural to feel this way.
As followers of God, however, it’s essential that faith be our number one expression. We serve a good God, who is constant even in inconsistent times, and will fight for us, protect our hearts and love us no matter what. We must choose faith above all else.
Source of Hope
In order to have full faith in God (especially in times like these), we must look for opportunities to place our hope deeper and deeper in Him.
Anytime I feel overcome by fear or anxiety, I pause and pray. This is becoming a good practice for me to draw near to Him and help ease those anxious thoughts I have. Another outlet is simply reading God’s Word. I know at times it’s difficult to just stop and read, but anytime I do, God uses His Word to speak directly to my heart and mind. He will for you too.
Worship is also a wonderful way to combat those negative feelings that creep in. Turn on your favorite worship music, and sing along or simply listen to the lyrics and declare them over yourself. Worship is a great way to turn over our burdens to Him and give Him praise for His goodness.
There’s so many ways to turn to God, and we should do what helps us connect with Him the most. As hard as it can be to turn off the noise and distraction around us, it’s essential to make that time to be with God and in His presence.
God says, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10a
Standing Firm
Now, more than ever, we must stand firm in our faith in God and shine a light to the world. Humanity is looking for something sure and positive to stand on, and we can at the very least offer them a glimpse of our gracious and loving Father.
When we plant our feet firmly in Him, we will make better choices, have more control over our fear and anxiety, experience more peace and contentment and trust in the Lord above all else. We also shed light on just how good God is to the those who don’t know Him.
The Light shines in the darkness. And the darkness has not overpowered the Light.
John 1:5
We must first root ourselves deeply in God, before we can help others find security and strength in Him. Let’s all work hard to dive into His Word daily, pray regularly and give Him praise for all He does for us. It’s not always easy, and life gets in the way too often, but it’s so essential for our faith and well-being.
He is Unshakable
Even when the world seems to be crumbling and falling apart around us, we have such a great hope and a loving Father. The world’s circumstances can never change that. No virus. No politics. No sin. No tragedy. Nothing. God is good and will always be good. We can trust in that.
When you start to feel off-balance and your teetering on the edge of fear and anxiety with all the unknowns, look up and turn to the One who is rock solid. Fall into His arms and rely on His strength to help you through. Nothing is too big or too impossible for Him, and He truly cares for each of us and anything we’re facing.
Our Father is completely unshakable and He’s not surprised by any evil or difficult situation we face. He cares for us and loves us and wants to carry any burdens we’re holding onto. God is our Savior and has given us such a special gift of salvation and everlasting life with Him. We can rest assured in that, and have unshakable hope in our future.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11