About the Author

Jennifer Dukes Lee is the author of several books, including Growing Slow. She and her husband live on the family farm, raising crops, pigs, and two humans. She’s a fan of dark chocolate, emojis, eighties music, bright lipstick, and Netflix binges. She wants to live life in such a way...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Jennifer,
    Isn’t it ironic that when things get really complicated and we are struggling that our God-given urge is to go “back to the basics.” I know that when I am in crisis, my prayers get really short and to the point, “Lord, help!” When anxiety rears its ugly hear, I immediately cut out the frivolous in order to cope. And when I can’t lean on my own understanding, I need to go into the Word where everything is made clear. The Bible isn’t a crystal ball that will predict the outcome of our circumstances, but its IS a reminder that God is near; we can count on Him; through Him all things are possible (including coming through this pandemic). Great reminder for such a time as this…
    Blessings
    Bev xx

  2. Great verses, thank you for sharing! I keep seeing verses or quotes surrounding the verse that says something along the lines of …the power of life and death are in the tongue.

    Our words begin with thoughts, we have the power therefore to think positive thoughts and NOT get carried away with negative thoughts and worry. It is not to say our worries in this time are not valid, but there is a difference in how we think and run with a thought, which becomes an emotion.

    Positive equals calmness and reassurance. Negative can equal worry and if unchecked unnecessary hysteria.

    It’s taught me to be more gentle with my own self, the language I use. Teaching me to be more patient and positive with my children and in the end hand it all to God.

    Come to me all those who are weary and I will give you rest – it applies always but the invitation is especially important in today’s environment!

    Jas

  3. I needed this today. Quite frankly, I need it every day. Sometimes, I get so lost in the worry. Thank you for the reminder of how to redirect that.

  4. Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This scripture verse has been my mantra for years as I am one who can easily let anxiety take hold. Adding the pandemic to that anxiety has been a test of my faith and trust in God and HIs word. He remains the mainstay in my life. I give praise for His promises and presence. I give praise for writers like you who remind us to abide in God. That is my word for the year – ABIDE. Thank you for sharing your thoughts through “incourage.”

  5. Wonderful!
    My verses are smack dab in the middle of lament, and they’ve been my go-to encouragement both before and during the pandemic:
    “The steadfast love the LORD never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.”

  6. Jennifer, you bring us such encouragement today, because you bring us straight to God. His Word is breathed by His very Spirit and is filled with strength and truth. I read it daily, and have for years, and yet, it is ever fresh. That’s truly amazing, isn’t it? I had never, for example, read Ecclesisastes in the way you just did, but it is really appropriate for this time. That is what I love about God’s Word. It is always relevant for any time and situation. Two verses that bring me unspeakable comfort and strength now are Romans 8:28. God WILLL work this pandemic pandemonium together for our good, because we love Him and are called according to His purpose. And also Ps. 31:15: “My times are in your hands.” So yes, I stay home to protect myself, my family, and my neighbors (literal and in church), and yes, I don’t tempt God by rushing headlong into crowds, but I do know that I am not ultimately in control, and my times are already in God’s hands. He appointed the day that I was born and knows the day I will die. And in that biblical truth, I rest. And surely, I rest in Him. thank you so much for sharing your heart and God’s truth!
    Love
    Lynn
    PS I have read and reread Ps. 23 as well. Truly Jesus is our Good Shepherd.

    • I so relate to this verse as you know so well friend. It has and will carry me through life. All things do work together for good. It is His world and we are His people just needing a reminder to slow way down and enjoy it a bit more. Also 23rd Psalm is my go to prayer in the middle of the nights when I wake and can’t sleep thinking about my family and friends. I thought of you yesterday during Pastors message. Beautiful reminder today to open that Bible up.

      • So glad these verses/psalm minister so deeply to you, as they do me. My mother almost died last year, and God worked powerfully through Rm 8:28 in her life and ours. We feared a dangerous spinal-fusion, but He worked it for Mother’s good in a powerful way. She will turn 90 shortly! PTL!

        You thought of me? You must mean Jennifer. 🙂
        Lynn

        • “It is always relevant for any time and situation.” That’s the power of Scripture, right? It comes alive for us, and without explanation, suddenly has vivid and powerful meaningful in our present-day circumstances. So grateful for the Word that is living and ACTIVE. So grateful for you.

          Also, Gramma T, who responded to you, is one of my best friends, and one of Joyce’s best friends. She goes to our church. 🙂 She’s been on my launch teams, so you might be FB friends too!

          • Oh thank you, Jennifer, for the introduction to Gramma T. I’ve met such lovely ladies through you, like Caryl, Joyce, and now, Gramma T! So blessed to know you all!
            xo
            L

  7. Ephesians 3:16-21 New International Version (NIV)
    16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

    20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

  8. Philippians 4:4-9! Verses 6 and 7 are the well-known heart of it, but It has recently been brought to my attention what depth the two verses before and after bring!

    Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

    Thank you for this post today.

  9. Jennifer we have nothing to fear over this Coronavarious. We have big mighty God who will look after us. When everything went into lock down all over the world. God showed me and I think I have share it with you lovely people through his Holy Spirit. About Jesus the way he fed 5000 people with 5 loves and 2 fish. The people that day were not worried about Germs. When Jesus told them to sit on the Grass. Or if the people that day had washed their hands before eating. You know what that day I say there was more than 5000 people there that day. By the time you count the children as well. All the people came to do that day was to hear the king of the world speak. They knew Jesus wouldn’t let anything happen to them. So we have the same God who cares for us. If we put our trust in him everyday. Don’t look at the Coronavarious. Look at the news yes. But don’t let too much of it get into our heads that we start to believe it. Believe God and what his word the Bible says. Stand on it and the Promises in it and Prayer. Know God will look after us and let nothing happen to us his Children. Like that day when all thoes 5000 plus people that is not indulging kids there that day that went to here the king of the world speak. That was Jesus. They were not worried about Germs or what the person next to them had. They knew the king of the world Jesus wouldn’t let anything happen to them. I know Jesus will look after us his followers. I apply Psalm 91 over my life everyday and Ephesians 6 the armor of God. Plus I also belive Philippians 4 verse 19 where it says And This Same God Who Takes Care Of Me Will Supply All Your Need From His Riches Which Have Been Given To Us In Christ Jesus. New Living Translation. That is so true God will do that. So I don’t need to fear this Coronavarious nor do you. Just keep reading Gods word the Bible and Praying. Standing on the Promises in God word the Bible and living by it every day. I say Amen to that. Love today’s reading. Xxx

  10. I thought I need some verses right now to cling to so came to read the post. Thank you Jenn for your writing and encouragement! I printed out Micah 7:8 in outline to color. ♥

  11. Jennifer,

    Having gone through trials before this one I haven’t had much worry. Spending my time working on two Bible studies “Fingerprints of God” by Jennifer Rothschild & “Dangerous Prayers” by Craig Groeschel-Proverbs 31 on line. Some scriptures that come to mind are Psalm 23:4 “Yea thou I walk Through the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod & staff they comfort me. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you. declares the Lord.” “Plans to prosper you and not to harm. To give you a hope & a future.” They tell me that He will see us through this dark valley. His plans are for our good. God is using this pandemic for His good. To draw us closer to Him. The Bible tells us numerous times “Don’t fear” for I am with you always. Let’s put our fears & worries out to pasture & pray to an ever loving, caring God who will see us through this.

    Blessings 🙂

  12. Oh, I like Micah 7:8 from The Message! So glad you shared that one, Jennifer. I’m old enough to have been through some dark days of emotional pain. But I never doubted God’s presence or His wisdom in allowing such times. Just as the sun eventually returns after a siege of clouds and rain, the Son eventually breaks through a season of discouragement and joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5b). Hallelujah!

  13. I have been reciting Isaiah 41:10 as I try to fall asleep at night. Every night.
    “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.”
    Amen and Amen.