Finding Peace In The Unknown

Everyday we wake up and have some sort of routine, right? We get up, get dressed, get ready for work/school, or get the kids fed ready for the day and then we start our day. Well, right now all of that is a bit up in the air. With everything going on in our world right now, there's a lot of uncertainty and life seems to be a bit chaotic. This virus has thrown everyone for a loop. The situation we are being put in can cause a whirlwind of emotions. We aren't prepared for the feelings that have come up in our hearts. It can be scary and may cause anxiety and fear. I want to shine some light on this today and hopefully bring you comfort.

Are you feeling scared and anxious about everything right now? How you're going to afford diapers for your baby, how you will put dinner on the table, how your children will feel not finishing this year of school with their friends. Are you worried about children who don't have a safe home to be isolated in? Are you nervous that your grandparents will catch this virus and not be able to fight it? Are you terrified of your child getting sick? While all of these feelings are valid, let us not forget what Jesus says. "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." -Isaiah 41:10

Although we do not have much control over this virus or what the government is doing, God is completely in control, and He knows EXACTLY what He is doing. He is working everything together for the good of His children. I know that the unknown is a scary thought, but remember this, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.  Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,' declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel." -Isaiah 41:13-14

God says, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" -Luke 12:22-26 What does this mean exactly? Well, to me it means that no matter what we have or don't have, God is still going to provide for us. It might not be in the way we expect to be provided for, but He is going to work it out in the best way for us. So if you're feeling scared, He will provide peace. If you're worried about how you will pay your bills, He will provide security. We won't know exactly what His blessings will look like. Just know that they will be better than anything we could imagine.

So, in all of this unknowingness and chaos, don't forget who holds this world in His hands. Trust that He has a plan for all of this and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This world and everything in it is not forever. We have so much more to look forward to. Whenever you get scared or start to feel worried, repeat this verse out loud. "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." -2 Timothy 2:7

Remind yourself that fear and anxiety does not come from Jesus. It comes from the devil whose only purpose it to steal, kill, and destroy. Don't let the devil win. Instead, try to enjoy this time with your family. Be intentional. In life we typically rush through each day, go through the motions, and stick to our routines, but let's really lean in to this time we have with our loved ones. Cherish this time, because we are not promised tomorrow. Love each other, enjoy nature, play with your children, and soak up these moments. There is peace in the stillness of this isolation, you just have to find it.

Lastly, let's remember to pray. Pray for medical staff working with patients, our President and other government leaders, for medical supply manufacturers, for the people infected with this virus, and for the families who have someone fighting the virus/someone who has lost the fight. The power of prayer is stronger than anything. While we cannot control what happens, God can, so let's be specific in our prayers and trust in Him to work all things together for good. I hope this encourages you today!

Much Love,

Rachael