Sometimes the unknown future can feel scary. Especially when life drastically changes in an instant and suddenly doesn’t look the same as it once did. That seems exactly like what’s happened with the COVID-19 virus pandemic.
Just a couple weeks ago, life was clicking along like normal, then, suddenly the whole country is in a panic and shutting down. It’s so surreal. And if we let our emotions run away with us, it can even feel a little bit terrifying. All the “what-if’s” of worst case scenarios can take over our minds, which is the root of so much of the mania around the world – albeit, I realize for many reasons it’s justified fear and I admit to harboring some of those fears myself.
But God doesn’t want us to live in the fear of the unknown, much less in a panic, regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. Instead, He wants us to live in confidence, peace and joy by believing He not only knows our future but will be the Provider of all our future needs, whatever they may be.
We all have different fears about the future and about what’s going on right now in the present. Maybe those fears are for our own health or even moreso for those we love who might be more susceptible to catching a virus. Maybe you have tested positive for the virus or know someone who has and your fears are magnified about the healing and recovery process. Or maybe your fears are about being able to go doctor’s appointments, not having an income if your employer is closed, caring and teaching young children whose schools are closed, getting your college student back home safely, your grown children losing their jobs, being alone through this crisis or even having sufficient food, medicines and toilet paper. I’m sure you have plenty of fears and needs weighing on your heart and mind right this very minute, as do we all.
Yet no matter what our needs are, God has the power and the desire to provide for those needs in exactly the way that is best. His way may not always be our way, but it will always be the best way. God is not shocked by what’s happening around our world right now, and even though it’s hard for us to understand, we can either believe His promise that He holds our future in His hands like we find in Jeremiah 29:11 and Philippians 4:19, and trust His plans are good – or we don’t.
One choice ushers in peace and the other choice fuels fear.
If your spirit is heavy with worry and fear right now, how might your heart lighten if you chose to focus on Who holds your future instead of what the future holds? How might your day be happier if you intentionally choose to trust God instead of worrying, and ask for His peace to fill your heart and mind instead of worries?
I’ve always been a worrier – ask anyone that knows me personally! But I have been trying to be better about that the last few years as I’ve faced so many unknowns. I know it’s easier said than done especially when our faith feels shaken. But the more we accept it’s our job to trust God with the future and His job to take care of it – not the other way around – the unknowns of the future seem just a little less scary.
If you could use more encouragement during this difficult season, take a moment to READ THIS DEVOTION I wrote a few years ago for Proverbs 31 when my personal circumstances were causing me toxic angst and worry. I share about a quiet encounter I had with God which reassured me He loves us and knows our needs, and that He is our provider and always desires to take care of His own. And I hope it lightens your heart today.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments about how my online blog community can pray for you, and if your heart feels led to leave a prayer in the comments for someone else or for our country, please bless people with your words.
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I love the Devotion thanks for sharing could you please pray for my daughter Liz to get approved for her social security benefits and please pray for me to get my sugar down and under control and my relationship with my grandkids they have nothing to do with me and I don’t know why
Today I ask for prayers as my sister battles stage 4 cancer. Newly diagnosed
Wendy –
I am praying for your sister and the rest of your family as you navigate the journey of cancer. I imagine it’s especially challenging during these trying times. May God bring you comfort.
Elizabeth
We all need prayers during this new reality. As a single mother, I am trying to navigate working while at home with my two year old because her preschool closed. On top of everything, she hasn’t been sleeping well, so I am just so, so tired. I’m really tired and scared about how long this will last.