In these days of uncertainty, with the worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you may be feeling fearful or anxious.
What’s going to happen?
What is the truth—what is real news and what is fake news?
Am I safe? Are those I love safe and healthy?
When our safety is threatened—physically or emotionally—we are rightly afraid. Our bodies are equipped with an inner alarm to signal something is not right in order to protect us from harm.
We are human. And it’s OK to feel afraid. But…
In addition, we need wisdom to discern if the thing we’re fearful about is a real fear or a false fear—and what to do about it.
For example, if you hear an unfamiliar noise in the middle of the night, you might be afraid someone is trying to break into your home.
But once you discover it’s really just the wind blowing tree branches against a window pane, your mind can rest again.
We need to know the truth, so we can be set free from fear.
Some people are afraid to fly.
Some fear being alone.
Others are afraid of not having enough money, like when you’re laid off from your job or bank account is nearing zero balance.
You have a right to feel fear.
It’s what you do with your feelings of fear that makes a difference. You can choose to live in worry and doubt, or you can choose to trust God in every situation. Peace can replace anxiety. Fear subsides.
How do you do that?
Pray
To begin, pray. Talk to God about your fears. Jill Briscoe once said, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
God is always here and near. He listens. He cares. And He is always at work, even when we cannot see it or feel it.
Remember
Then, remember what God has done in the past—for you and for others.
Recall how He has seen you through hard times before, and believe that He will again deliver you from difficult circumstances. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you do what you cannot do in your own human strength.
Fear says, “I cannot handle this situation.” Faith says, “God can.”
Bask in Truth
Trust that even though you can’t see now how it’s all going to work out, God does. He knows. And He is still in control come rain or shine, or virus or anything.
Shore up inside you the truth about who God is as protector, provider, helper, and healer. He is stronger than any force that tries to come against you. And He is your peace in the storm-tossed world.
Listen to the words of hope and comfort from Dr. James Dobson on his Family Talk broadcast today, April 2, 2020. He shares his thoughts and concerns about this worldwide pandemic, and also offers encouragement.
God is whispering to you, “Will you trust me?” Will you choose to trust that the One who loves you most will take care of you?
The choice is yours.
Our times are in His hands.
***
Key Bible Verses
“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” ~ Hebrews 13:6
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” ~ James 1:6
“For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock.” ~ Psalm 27:5
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
Powerful Prayer
Lord, I need your help and protection. Rescue me from this fear and doubt swirling around me. I ask you to quiet my stormy emotions. Help me to believe that You will take care of me—and all of my difficult circumstances. Keep me safe in the comfort of your love and strong power. You can do anything! And I need you right now. Turn my darkness to light. Help me to move from fear to confidence, from timid to trusting. Give me courage to move forward, one step at a time with You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
He is another prayer specifically to pray against the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Additional Resources
Power Prayers for Women by Jackie M. Johnson
Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough by Jackie M. Johnson
When Love Ends and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty by Jackie M. Johnson
Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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