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God

How to Handle Fear About the Coronavirus

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

Powerful Life Lessons from 20 Years in Colorado

Twenty years ago today, I drove into Colorado Springs in my little red Honda after a thousand-mile trip across America’s heartland to start a new life at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.

When I left my home, friends, and family in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin to move here, I had no idea what joys and challenges the next two decades would bring.

I didn’t really know anyone when I moved to Colorado (except a college friend and her husband). So I set about making new friends—and I have some amazing and wonderful friends here today.

Yet through all of the challenging times and the good times, God showed himself faithful and I learned some valuable life lessons.

A Look Back

Over the past 20 years, a lot has happened. Let’s take a quick look back:

• I moved 8 times in 8 years (not always by choice, but that’s another story for another day).

• I worked at some interesting jobs—at a literary agency, a book publisher, a radio ministry. I was also a freelance marketing copywriter.

• I met some fascinating people along the way at my various workplaces, like: Franklin Graham (son of Billy Graham), Roma Downey, Mark Burnett, Dr. James Dobson, Mrs. Shirley Dobson, Lee Strobel, Eric Metaxas, John Eldredge, Eugene Peterson, Victor Marx, Brennan Manning, Bruce Wilkinson, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, Dr. Ben Carson, Gary Chapman, Dr. Tim Clinton, Denver Moore and Ron Hall (“Same Kind of Different As Me”), Vice President Mike Pence (before he was VP), Karen Kingsbury and others.

• Sadly, I got laid off from jobs twice because of the sagging economy. When times were hard (and long months of unemployment), I worked at whatever jobs I could find to support myself—like pizza delivery—while also freelance writing.

• And, I’ve had a few heartbreaks from broken dating relationships along the way. But learned from them essential life lessons about how to process pain and loss, and find new hope and joy again.

• I wrote 3 books: “Power Prayers for Women,” “Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough,” and “When Love End and the Ice Cream Carton Is Empty”—a breakup recovery book to help others get over their dating relationship breakups, too.

Lessons Learned

As look back, I see how God helped me through the tough times—like 18 months of unemployment, breakup pain from severed relationships, and healing from major knee surgery.

I learned total dependence on God, as he taught me to get my eyes off my turbulent circumstances around me, and look to Jesus, the one who gives peace in the storms.

I learned that God provides—even when I am down to my last dime with “8 miles to empty” on my odometer and needing gas for my car.

I learned deeper levels of love as God used friends to help me through tough times with an unexpected bag of groceries or a check in the mail.

As I emerged from seasons of challenge and change, I became stronger as a Christian and as a woman.

I found my voice.

I learned to stand up for myself, to ask for what I really need, and set boundaries so I could be my best self in dating relationships and in friendships.

I learned that I was worth being loved well.

And, that when you’re down to nothing, God is up to something.

He is faithful. He never fails.

A Look Ahead

As I look ahead, I choose to be a woman of joy and peace. I choose to trust God every step of the way—day by day, choice by choice.

It’s not always easy, but with the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of me, I have grace and strength for each new day.

Currently, I’m enjoying working for a radio ministry and writing two blogs—the blog you are reading on my website and the Living Single Today blog.

In addition, I’m working on creating an online course and writing my fourth book. More on those items in the coming weeks.

I love being out in nature and appreciating the beauty of God’s creation. Every morning I see the sun rise in the east and light up the mountain range like footlights on a stage. Glorious!

I am grateful. God is faithful in all of life’s seasons—the hard times and the good times.

Each day is a new beginning, a chance to start again. And that is a very good thing.

What About Your Life?

Thanks for listening to my story. Now what about you?

I pray that you would take time to look back on your own life, too, and see how God has been faithful through the years in the good times and the hard times.

Then pray about all God has for you today, and in the coming days. Talk to Him and share your heart. He is always listening and He will answer.

May you find joy despite circumstances, beauty in the simple things and a settled peace because God loves you more than you know.

The best days are ahead.

–Jackie M. Johnson

Leave a message in the comments below on how God has been faithful in your life.

Singles + Single Parents: Staying Sane While Staying Home During the Coronavirus

We are living in strange and unprecedented times.

Currently, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading across the world. People are staying home and isolating, and not always by choice. In fact, this global pandemic is changing daily the way many of us live, work, worship and play—or don’t.

Schools are closed. Sporting events are cancelled. Movie theatres and restaurants are closed. Even church doors are shuttered (but thankfully many houses of worship provide online services).

It seems like much of American life is closing down —at least for the next few weeks—so we can “flatten the curve” and help slow down the spread of this virus.

Now What?

How do we live in this unexpected, isolated new world?

For one thing, many of us are now working from home or not working at all.

For singles, that presents some new challenges. After days on end without people contact, you may feel lonely and isolated. Staying at home can be hard because we are social beings; we need human interaction.

You can’t go out to eat or to the movies—or even to church events—since most everything is closed, and when you do venture out (say, to the grocery store) you’re supposed to be “social distancing” (staying at least six feet away from other people in public).

Single parents have their own challenges now too, with school closures. Because of the virus, kids are at home all day long. For some moms and dads, this can cause stress and anxiety. But it can also lead to creative “teachable moments” as parents are now the teachers.

More time at home can also lead to a closer and better family life as we consider again what is most important because our focus is changing.

If sports and theatres and restaurants and well, basically all activities are shut down, it forces us to do other things. Perhaps better and more bonding things. That is my hope for families.

Staying Sane and Strong

During this time of uncertainty and isolation, with more time at home, how can you find peace and squelch fear? Help others? Use your time wisely?

Here are six (6) key ways to stay sane and strong during the virus crisis—and throughout life:

1) Keep up your health.

By now, you’ve heard all the basics about staying healthy and keeping up your immune system so you are less likely to get the coronavirus: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face as much as possible. Drink water. Eat healthy foods. Clean your cell phone often.

If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, call or text a friend or FaceTime with someone during your lunch hour to feel more connected. Shore up your emotional health as well as your physical health.

2) Get a handle on fear.

It’s normal to feel fear during these precarious times. No one knows how much the virus will spread or when it will stop. Feeling fearful is only human. It’s what you do next that makes the difference between living in fear or finding peace.

Will you choose worry or trust God?

Peace comes as you remember what God has done in the past. Think of how he has helped you through tough times before, and believe that He will help you now.

Fear says, “I cannot handle this situation.” Faith says, “But God can.”

Remember Peter in the Bible, the one who walked on water when Christ beckoned him to come? When Peter’s eyes were on Jesus, he stood firm. Eyes on the storm around him, he sank.

Likewise, we can keep our hearts tuned to what Christ says, looking to Him, not freaking ourselves out by looking at the turbulent circumstances around us.

Even though you have no idea what’s going to happen, inner strength can replace uncertainty when you shore up God’s truth inside of you.

Read encouraging Bible verses. Listen to praise and worship music. Pray. Keep your mind set so it doesn’t wander.

“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

3) Feed your mind.

It’s essential to keep perspective when news sources are bombarding the public with a constant stream of stories about the virus. Yes, it’s important to stay informed. But don’t overwhelm yourself by watching too much.

Instead, feed your mind with God’s unchanging truth from His Word, the Bible. This is your weapon against fear, anxiety, depression, loneliness and other feelings.

Truth leads to peace. Here are some comforting verses:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”
Psalm 46:1-2

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7

Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Church in California posted a meme on Facebook recently:

“Turn your panic into PRAYER, turn your worry into WORSHIP, turn your fear into FAITH.”

4) Be the church.

A building is not “the church,” we are. The people who go to church can “be the church” to those in need at such a time as this.

Ask your family members, friends, neighbors, church family, and others if they need anything. You can drop off items on their doorstep to keep your social distance.

Donate to food banks (by drive-up, if possible). Keep giving to your church and other ministries (online or send a check in the mail).

Find creative ways to help others. As Christ-followers, we can be a light in a dark world. We can bring hope to the hopeless. And be a helping hand to those in need.

Lead with love. Love your family—even when they’re hard to handle. Love your friends, even though you may not see them as often now. Love changes everything.

5) Use your time wisely.

Spending more time at home can be both a challenge and an opportunity.

If you find that you have more time on your hands in this season, consider how you will use it. Maybe you need to catch up on rest. Or, start writing that book you’ve always wanted to write. Playing music, reading, and maybe even learning to cook with YouTube videos can help pass the time.

Since many nursing homes and assisted living facilities are on lockdown and they cannot have visitors in person right now, you could write a senior a card or letter. Like, a real snail-mail letter.

I heard that during another pandemic, the 1665 Plague of London, Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus. No pressure to invent something, but it made me think that this time away from other distractions could very well produce some good and creative things.

Here’s a great resource for those of you who want to watch helpful, biblical teaching videos on things relating to dating, sex, love and relationships. Author and speaker Brian Kluth has a free resource on those topics, “God’s Road Map for Single and Single-Again Adults.”

6) Get perspective.

Dr. James Dobson offers these wise and comforting words of hope on the coronavirus outbreak. You’ll definitely want to read that.

During this time of change and crisis, you may have to “do without” for a time. Do without hugs when you can’t visit those you love. Do without going out to eat or to movies or watch sports. For some, sadly, it’s doing without an income, not just paper goods or cleaning supplies. (And we can pray for those in need.)

Hopefully, that will lead to a greater appreciation for the people and things you do have. During this time of isolation and closures, choose gratitude. Gratitude leads to joy.

Finally, I believe that this time of virus and isolating will end. It will not last forever. And we will be stronger because of it.

In the meantime:

Stay calm.

Trust God.

And, wash your hands.

Prayer

“Lord, we ask for your help and healing in this time of uncertainty. Please stop the spread of this coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world. Help it to cease soon! Help those who are sick to heal. Help the first responders and medical professionals to stay safe and healthy as they treat others. Provide the supplies they need. And a cure. Be with those who are working at home or in the workplace to be productive, and not feel isolated or lonely. Help us all to stay healthy and keep our eyes on You, not the changing circumstances around us. May we be strong and better people for this, and may this virus crisis end soon. We trust in your goodness and faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

Drop me a line below. How are you handling “more time at home” while people are isolating because of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

RESOURCES

For more hope and inspiration, check out these books by Jackie M. Johnson:

Praying with Power When Life Gets Tough
Power Prayers for Women
Prayers with Purpose for Women

Photo credit: bongkarn thanyakij from Pexels

Best Quotes from “The Sacred Romance” by John Eldredge

Recently, I had the honor of meeting one of my favorite authors, John Eldredge. You may know him from his runaway bestsellers such as, Wild at Heart, The Sacred Romance or Waking the Dead.

Author, counselor and teacher John Eldredge, president of Ransomed Heart ministries, is the real deal. He was present, interested in what I had to say, and sincerely warm and friendly.

While he has a new book coming out in 2020 (which I will write more about in coming weeks), it’s Eldredge’s first book (written with his friend, Brent Curtis) that captured my attention and changed me nearly two decades ago: The Sacred Romance: Drawing Close to the Heart of God.

I want to share some of his most profound and life-changing quotes. My hope is that they will resonate with you, make you think—and encourage you in your faith walk in profoundly positive ways.

Quotes from “The Sacred Romance” by John Eldredge

(Below, the John Eldredge quotes are in bold ,and my comments are in regular text.)

From childhood on, something or Someone has called us on a journey of the heart. It is a journey full of intimacy, adventure, beauty, and more than a little danger.

The Sacred Romance calls to us in our fondest memories, our greatest loves, our noblest achievements, even our deepest hurts. The reward is worth the risk. God Himself longs for us, if we are but willing…

Eldredge reminds us of God’s invitation to come—and find life and meaning and greater love.

You were made for something more.

God is drawing us to Himself. If only we would listen.

Sadly, many of us get busy with life and activities—even worthwhile things—and we never seem to have enough time to deepen our relationship with God.

We cannot hear this voice if we have lost touch with our heart.

Eldredge reminds us of our most important journey ever—a journey of redemption. A journey “into God’s heart, our true home.”

Our own stories and longings are interwoven with a wooing of God to draw us to Himself.

To hear his voice clearly.
To follow Him.
To rediscover who God really is—and how deeply and well He loves us. Accepts us. Forgives us. Cherishes us.

This journey is a quest toward God.

He [God] loved us before the beginning of time, has come for us, and now calls us to a journey toward him, with him…a journey of heroic proportions..a journey of the heart.

Our Story is written by God who is more than author, he is the romantic lead in our personal dramas. He created us for himself and now is moving heaven and earth to restore us to his side…he seeks to free our hearts from the attachments and addictions we’ve chosen.

Wow! That’s some kind of love.

There really is something wonderful that draws our heart; we are being wooed…

And we are faced with a decision.

Will we leave our small stories behind and venture forth to follow our Beloved into the Sacred Romance?

So, we take the journey to know God more and come closer to His heart. And we learn how he demonstrates that love for each of us, often in ways unexpected.

God is always romancing us through the simple daily things:

a sunrise,

the smell of coffee,

the perfect conditions for jogging,

sending us encouragers at the right time, all manner of things,

but Satan is trying to derail those efforts with lies like, you are worthless, you will never fit in, you have not got what it takes, you are an inconvenience, basically anything that makes you doubt God’s goodness to you, the same lie he used in Eden.

Of course, there has to be conflict (and I hate conflict).

But in stories and in real life, there are struggles and challenges that prevent us from getting where we want to be, things that hinder us in the journey.

The Accuser stepped in with a subtle, deadly stream of thoughts: “…Things will never change, God doesn’t care for your heart…This is who you really are: unlovely and unlovable.”

Thankfully, the story does not end there. The One who loves us most has defeated the Accuser, and is persistent in his pursuit of us—of you, of me.

…We are truly God’s Beloved, the Bride he is preparing to reveal in all her beauty before the courts of heaven.

And throughout the journey, we come to know God in a deeper and more profoundly closer way. And we are forever changed.

Transformed by love.

The Sacred Romance calls to us every moment of our lives…

invites us through the laughter of good friends,

reaches out to us through the touch of someone we love.

We’ve heard it in our favorite music,

sensed it at the birth of our first child,

been drawn to it while watching the shimmer of a sunset on the ocean.

Something calls to us through experiences like these and rouses an inconsolable longing deep within our heart, wakening in us a yearning for intimacy, beauty, and adventure.

This longing…fuels our search for meaning, for wholeness, for a sense of being truly alive.

And the voice that calls to us in this place is none other than the voice of God.

***

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

How to Find More Peace in Your Life

Why is peace so elusive?

Perhaps it’s because we forget to replenish our source of peace in the busyness of daily living.

Regardless of our circumstances, we can live a life of peace when we find contentment in Christ and draw near to Him.

What does that mean, really?

Here’s a good example: The moon absorbs light from the sun, and reflects the light. Likewise, you can bask in the light of God’s Son and absorb His truths.

Then you can become a man or woman who reflect His joy and peace to the world.

You can have peace because God has a plan.

A life of less anxiety is truly possible when you trust God and transfer the outcome of the decision to Him.

Instead of thinking “it’s all up to me” and “I have to make this happen” you can surrender your fear and doubt to the Lord believing He will take care of you—and provide a course correction, if needed.

Talk to God in prayer.

Tell him how you feel and what you need. Ask Him to give you wisdom to know what to do, and supernatural strength, to do what needs to be done.

You don’t have to do this hard and messy life on your own. God is with you, and He is for you. Ask for His help and provision, His protection and peace.

TRUST is the key. God will take care of you.

Be at peace.

***

Key Bible Verses

“A heart at peace gives life to the body…” ~ Proverbs 14:30

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” ~ James 3:18

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” ~ Isaiah 26:3

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

Powerful Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to be anxious. I want to be a person of peace. Help me to keep centered on you and not my problems or the storms of life around me. Calm me, and help me to find my security and contentment in You, the One who loves me most. Still my inner heart so I can be peaceful in my thought and actions. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

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