So, unless you’ve been SERIOUSLY unplugged and out of touch, you are aware of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the frenzy of panic that it has caused. Honestly, it’s kind of crazy understandable.

Let’s be honest. It can be difficult to resist the urge to join into mass hysteria. We know this. History has taught us that it happens to even the best, most level headed, of us. So, calm your judgy selves!

There is merit in being prepared, but there is never merit or profit in panic. Say it with me – we will survive….or we won’t. Either way, panic will not have been the thing to swing the pendulum in either direction. Which begs the question, what should our posture be, as believers, during a crisis?

Here are just a few things that God says about fear, worry, and anxiety, in His Word:

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ‭‭-Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” ‭‭-John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” ‭‭-Psalms‬ ‭34:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father…And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” ‭‭-Romans‬ ‭8:15, 28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ‭‭-2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

What I like most about these passages is that they don’t just communicate a need for the believer to release fear and the like. They communicate the reason we can safely and securely do so. WE ARE NOT ALONE. God assured us through His Word that He is with us, He hears us, He is our protector, and He has equipped us with the tools to have power and peace.

The Romans passage even shares the reassuring truth that all things will work together for our good if we love The Lord and are called according to His purposes, which just means that we love Him, obey Him, and answer His call to discipleship. How exciting is that?!

Above all, I suppose the main thing I want to illuminate is that disquiet is normal in times of distress and uncertainty. God knows us completely and is not surprised by our human emotions and responses to what happens around us. That’s why there are these and MANY more passages that offer comfort and reminders to lean into all of the good things that God provides. He is a refuge in the our times of need and we can depend on His loving care. He is a good father. So, during this and any other time of crisis, choose to rest in Him!

Here are just a few ways to rest in God:

• When your mind starts to run, stop and pray – with transparency and honesty about how you feel- to God.

• Read passages like these, that focus on the peace and refuge that faith in God provides in our times of need.

• Talk to another believer about how you’re feeling and ask them for encouragement and prayer when you feel unable to rest.

• Turn off the things that are adding to your disquiet, like social media, the news, and toxic people.

• Journal your fears and anxieties, then commit them to God, and aim to update the entry when you feel differently. This record can remind you in future crises, of God’s grace and help in your time of need.

• Sing a song of praise to God. Your Spirit will be strengthened and the weight will be lifted.

These things always help me to quiet my mind and align my heart with the truth of God. What are some passages or tips that help you keep the faith?