fear – an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat; a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something or the safety and well-being of someone; dread, alarm, terror, despair, panic
I’ve attempted to write this thing now several times, but each time, I’m lost for words. In a matter of days, the world has drastically changed. A few days ago, life was normal. Today, the nation is slowly shutting down and we’re being asked to not leave our homes, taking every precaution possible to avoid public spaces. And I have no idea what tomorrow brings.
COVID-19 has instilled fear. It has caused a sense of impending doom over our lives and the lives around us. It has caused mass amounts of stock-piling and legitimate panic. It has caused grief, frustration, and pain. People are running. People are terrified.
People. Need. Hope!
This thing is scary and confusing and there’s a bagillion “what-if’s” circling my brain. It can be easy to get trapped in fear; to get lost in the chaos of the reactions of others; to run and hide; to feed off the hourly news updates and expect the worst.
BUT…
Today (and everyday) –
- I want to speak life. I want to bring light to the ever-present darkness. I want you to hear that God is still so good!!! He knew this was coming. He wasn’t taken by surprise. He’s already won the battle! God is not a God of fear and panic. He is our greatest comforter. He is hope. He is peace. He is STILL!
- Is an opportunity to run to the Lord and rest in His embrace. It’s an opportunity to be an encouragement to others and show them the heart of the Father. It’s an opportunity to say “no, thank you” to whatever the enemy is trying to do. It’s an opportunity to worship and glorify our King. It’s an opportunity for gratitude and thanksgiving.
- I pray peace over the chaos. I pray hope over fear. I pray protection, safety, and health over you and your loved ones. I pray you find comfort in knowing God is in control and loves you so stinkin’ much. I pray you find time to just take a deep breath.
I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I do how how faithful God is and I can trust His steady character in the midst of all the unknowns. I can lean on Him because He is the rock of my salvation and ever-present help in trouble.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
~A
