“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)
One of my greatest fears is the unknown. I have a strong tendency to overthink and worry about every single thing that could possibly go wrong, especially right now–when there is so much unknown! I am in a lockdown with no definite end, surrounded by news that changes daily.
But amidst all of this, I am reminded of my constant and sure hope: a God who never lets his people down. But I’ve had to choose to do several things to ever keep myself in this peace:
1: Focus on the Known
I don’t know how many people are going to die because of this scary virus, and I have no idea how much our world will be changed by the time all of this is over. But there are some things I know for certain:
- God is constant and unchanging.
- God’s love never fails to his people.
- He promises to be there for all that call to him in faith.
- All of God’s promises will be fulfilled.
- We have been redeemed.
I know that God will never leave nor forsake us. I know he is the only thing constant in a world of uncertainty. He is faithful. He has promised to be with His people, and to be their refuge and fortress.
What an amazing comfort!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
2: Choose What to Meditate On
During these times, our minds will inevitably be occupied with everything going on around us. There is so much that goes through our heads in the space of a day, and our minds can quickly spiral out of control with overwhelming worry and fear.
But we can choose to direct those thoughts to Christ. We can choose to either let our fear consume us, or, instead, direct ourselves to the truths of God and his Word.
One way I have been doing that is by memorizing Romans 8. Filling my mind with God’s truth has been such a comfort to me. The Psalms are also a great comfort during this time of uncertainty. The authors of these passages are no strangers to turmoil and fear, and yet they always point back to God’s faithfulness and everlasting love.
We can be tempted to fill our thoughts and our screens with the never-ending stream of news and updates. It is good to be informed, but if our primary focus is on what the world is telling us, instead of what God is telling us, the stress and worry will consume us.
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’” (Psalm 91:1-2)
3: Remind Others of God’s Faithfulness
Do you know people who are struggling or who are already plagued by anxiety and worry? While we cannot physically see many of them, we have a great opportunity to love and support those close to us.
Remind your brothers and sisters in Christ of God’s faithfulness. Pray for, and with, each other. Share Scripture and worship songs. Host a video call. Send a text to that person. Offer to serve in whatever capacity possible.
We are in this together, and this is a time where more than ever we need to be surrounded by prayers and love and encouragement. Don’t wait for someone to reach out to you. Please. Take that first step and love someone today. You have the time.
4: He Has Promised Us Peace
We know God’s promises. We have been reminded to go back to them, to the source of all wisdom, for comfort and refuge. Our God is faithful, and he has forgiven us and redeemed us.
God does not promise a life devoid of hardship, but he does promise us his peace. And that is something we can take joy in meditating on when everything else is not as it should be. This world is torn and broken by sin, and until he comes again, we will experience death and disease and trouble.
But God never changes. He is faithful. He calls his people to draw near to him. He is the only true comfort and constant certainty. He is sovereign, even now, and we can trust him.
