It was the start of the worldwide pandemic, and we were still weeks away from lockdown. Yet the news of what was heading toward us was beginning to cause panic and anxiety.
TV cameras were panning grocery store shelves, which had been emptied of toilet paper and disinfecting wipes. I vividly remember pawing through the freezer to take an inventory of our food supply, which I recognize is a luxury that many people around the world don’t have. I investigated my own toilet paper stash, calculated savings, and started to worry about, well . . . everything — my health, my aging parents, an immunocompromised friend with cancer, food supply chains, farmers in our community, including my husband. Our daughter is a high school senior, and I began to worry about all the “lasts” she would miss.
The one consistent pattern in my life was worry, worry, worry.
Little by little, more of our lives were shut down. The calendar was cleared of almost everything, including nonessential medical and dental appointments. As the pandemic wore on, there was only one thing that weakened worry’s grip on my heart — the Word.
I realize that I just delivered the most obvious, Sunday-school answer ever for solving the age-old problem of worry. Basically, it’s this: Read your Bible. But let me tell you what I’m learning: Sometimes the most obvious, simplest answer of all is the right one.
In the middle of a storm, the Word of God is the life raft to bring your heart home.
The Word is more than a history lesson or a set of instructions on how to live. It is the very revelation of God. It’s sharper than a sword and more tender than a mother’s embrace. It is water and air. It is life.
The way out of worry is by walking along a path paved with God’s Word. For me, in this crazy time in our world’s history, that path has been paved with Scripture. Many verses have come alive in a whole new way. Five of them have nurtured my soul deeply in these past months, and so I am sharing them with you today, dear friend.
1. “They will have no fear of bad news” (Psalm 112:7 NIV).
During those first days on the worry path, God met me with this very verse. The words leapt off the page. Psalm 112 tells us that one of the advantages of having faith in God, is being able to stand firm in the midst of trial. God guards the minds of those who walk with him. The Psalmist says that with God, we will have “no fear of bad news.” In short, we have a good-news God for every bad-news day.
2. “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1 NIV).
These are the verses that launch into a story about Jesus spending forty days in the wilderness. Jesus was in a sort of quarantine, social-distanced for quite some time. The entire story is worth re-reading because Jesus has great instructions for us on how to function in a wilderness. But take note of how the story begins. Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit, and He was led by the Spirit. The same goes for you. The Holy Spirit is in you, and He is leading you.
3. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV).
Life is a strange mix of joy and sorrow, birth and death, tearing down and building up. There is a time for embracing, and a time to refrain from it. Before social-distancing, it was hard to imagine a time where we would refrain from embracing people in tight hugs. But the seasons will turn again, for there really is a time for everything, and once more we will embrace.
4. “I’m down. But I’m not out. I’m sitting in the dark right now. But God is my light” (Micah 7:8 MSG).
In hard times, I hold tight to the assurance that God will carry me out of the darkness and into the light. He, Himself, is the Light who leads the way.
5. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).
What a reminder! Nothing stands between us and the love of God. And furthermore, all the things we had in Christ before the pandemic are true in the midst of it.
What verses have given you hope during this trying time in our history?
[bctt tweet=”Nothing stands between us and the love of God. And furthermore, all the things we had in Christ before the pandemic are true in the midst of it. -@dukeslee:” username=”incourage”]
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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
Oh Bev. As always, you bring it. I love what say about bringing it back to the basics. That’s the truth right there, my friend. Thanks for this.
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
Such wisdom here, Jas. Truth, not only in a crisis, but in our everyday moments. I so appreciate your thoughts.
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.
Praying your are led by Scriptures and Spirit in every moment this week … and always. xo
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.”
Oh Ann, That verse is a lifeline for so many of us. Thank you for sharing it!
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.”
Lament is key. We need it. Thanks so much for this, Michele. So many people reading this will need your reminder about the importance of lament. xo
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
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.
Ahhhh … these verses are a lifeline. Thanks, Tamara!
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.
So good, and so perfect for these times, Mary. Thanks for sharing them.
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
Sending love to you tonight, Dawn. Grateful for your faith-filled response. xo
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. ♥
That’s awesome, Jules!
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 🙂
Thank you so much, Beth, for sharing your go-to verses. I know it will be a blessing to those who come here this week. It was to me!
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!
Nancy, You have gone through the fire, and come out refined. Thanks for sharing how the Lord got you through. xo
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.