To Those Feeling Anxious in an Uncertain Time
My family was going about our normal routines up until about a week ago. And then the growing concern of the COVID-19 pandemic became more personal as we began to feel its impact.
Within a short period of time, we’ve gone from normalcy to uncertainty and from making plans for the future to the disappointment of broken plans.
Picked over shelves at the store, families now unexpectedly homeschooling until schools re-open, churches temporarily switching to online church, people out of jobs, dining in at your favorite restaurant no longer an option, cancellations left and right, and social distancing now a part of our vocabulary.
A slower pace. More time at home with loved ones. More opportunities to appreciate God’s gift of fresh air. Perhaps some of the blessings woven between the rough pages of the story.
But circumstances look different for each of us. And while some might be doing alright and even grateful for the change of pace, others are scrambling to find child care and wondering how bills will get paid and going through a mental list of what-ifs…
Times like this can ignite fear, anxiety and higher levels of stress.
It wasn’t long ago that I found myself in an uncertain season after my second child was born. As I traveled through a rocky postpartum valley, anxiety overwhelmed me in a way like never before and fought to steal away the beauty of what was supposed to be a sweet time.
Control slipped between my fingers.
At times I wondered if I would make it through. I worried about how my children would cope from witnessing their mama wrestle so. I begged God many times to deliver me quickly. And I questioned why He allowed such deep pain after a salty tear season of waiting for another child.
At the time, I would’ve pressed a fast forward button if I could’ve. Looking back now though, I see it wasn’t a wasted season. The Lord was working in the midst of the tears and tension. What the enemy intended for harm and destruction, God intended for good—for healing and spiritual growth and restoration.
It’s often when our sense of security is rattled and our faith is stretched to new lengths, that we grow and deeper depend on Jesus.
Maybe this uncertain time around the globe has made you anxious. It has me at times.
That doesn’t mean our faith is weak, but rather that we have a real heartbeat and a God who wants to show us that He’s bigger than the giant of fear. He is our firm foundation and refuge when the headlines are changing by the moment.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” ~Psalm 46:1
When the details of tomorrow, two weeks from now, this summer…are uncertain to us, we can rest assured that the Lord is preparing the way and knows exactly what’s coming next. In faith, we can cling to the promises from Genesis to Revelation—given to us in love—because God knew that there would be this moment in history.
God knew that stores would be short on supplies, but He promises to supply for all of our needs.
God knew that businesses and schools would shut down, but His perfect plan is very much still alive and He’s working on our behalf in ways we don’t see.
God knew a virus would spread and devastatingly take lives, but He also gave us Jesus who took up His cross and gave up His life so that we can have the gift of eternal life where pain meets its end. And just like a harmful virus can spread from one person to the next and multiply, so can the life-giving Gospel.
Whatever mixture of feelings we might be experiencing right now, we can rest in the shelter of the Most High and cast our cares upon the One who understands.
A Gift for You
When I was in the thick of an anxious postpartum valley, one practical step I took was to make note cards with Bible verses. If I was starting to feel overwhelmed or couldn’t sleep in the middle of the night, I’d flip through them and find comfort and calmness for my soul. There’s something powerful about proclaiming Truth, especially when we’re going through trying times.
In light of what’s happening in our world right now, I created some Scripture Cards for When You’re Feeling Anxious and you can download them for FREE at the link below. Print them off for yourself and/or pass them along to someone you know who would be encouraged. The flowers and flourishes used in making the note cards were kindly provided by angiemakes.
When routines and comforts are taken from us, we still have Who we need most. Our Good Shepherd Who promises to be with us always.
Take heart, friend,
I am very grateful for those beautiful scripture cards. They really helped me to refocus on God amid some anxiety I was feeling this morning. The Bible tells us to keep the Word close. I am sending this out to my church’s knit club group. I know it will be a comfort to everyone.
It’s a blessing to hear the cards helped you today. God is so good to give us what we need. How wonderful that you are also sharing this and I pray it’s a blessing to all!