Author: Christine

Isaiah 26:3 NKJV You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

Much has happened since our last post. The world is experiencing a virus that has changed our lives. News reports change moment by moment. Fear and worry have come knocking at our hearts’ door. Still, The Lord tells us that we need not be afraid. We can have peace as we trust in Him.

Admittedly, trusting God is not always easy. Peace is something that we may have to choose and to plan for. In stressful times we can unintentionally leave Jesus out of our days. It is easy to focus on our circumstances as we try to navigate them on our own. Yet, this is not what Jesus has for us. As we keep our thoughts on Jesus, He helps us to maintain our trust and peace.

Following are some things I have been doing to help me to keep my mind on The Lord. They will not be new to many. Still, maybe even just one will be helpful to you. In this challenging time may we determine, that we will maintain and grow our faith.

I remember that God is a good God. I talk to Him and tell Him so.
When I am tempted to be fearful or worried I declare God’s goodness past and present. If you are not in the habit of talking to God, it is wonderful! He is waiting to hear from you. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you have been. Our Lord is a great listener and cares about everything you have to say. Be honest and tell Him just how you feel. He loves you no matter what!

I read my bible and when I can I speak it aloud.
This can be one of the first things that gets set aside when life is busy or stressful and we get distracted by our cares. It Is, however, one of the most important things we can do during those times. His word is powerful and it builds makes us strong. I f we don’t read God’s Word we don’t know His promises nor His character. Then we cannot rely upon them. You don’t have to spend hours and hours. Even one passage can change the way you see. Here is an example that I hope encourages you, from many years ago.
I was 39 and our children were 9 and 11. I worked part time in town, led the 4-H club, cooked and shopped for our meals, mowed the lawn, and helped on the farm. I was a busy wife and Mom, who was also newly diagnosed with breast cancer. During those years there was very little time to be alone. Still, in one of those rare moments, I was talking to God and I asked Him, “Lord, are you sure? “. Grabbing my bible it opened to Psalm 118:17 which said; I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
I went through the process of treatment and recovery without ever being afraid of that cancer again. Had I not asked God that question and turned to my bible for an answer, it would have been much more difficult to get through. Remembering the promise I had been given enabled me to trust and to believe..
I would like to encourage you to find a promise for yourself.

I think about good things!
I don’t spend every moment worrying about what is happening. I don’t leave the television on all day watching the news. Yes, it is wise to stay informed, but I refuse to allow news about a virus to hijack my thoughts! I do my chores and communicate with my family. I encourage and am encouraged by my friends. I play and sing music to keep my mind from becoming overwhelmed. I take time to look out the window to see the rising and the setting of the sun. I don’t allow myself to worry about tomorrow or the next day or the next. Yes, it is wise to plan and to prepare. When that is completed, I choose to focus on the blessings of today.

When I am tempted to worry or fear I pray!
The Lord tells us not to worry about anything but to pray about everything. When I find myself starting to worry it is simple. I turn my worry into a prayer.

I ask for a special prayer assignment.
My prayer assignment keeps me from thinking only about my own cares. Peace in homes kept coming to my mind, so I took it as my special assignment from The Lord. I have been asking for protection for families who are closed in at this time. That their love for one another would grow. I pray that The Lord would send angels to step in when protection is needed. That families will be closer together when this virus is through.

I give thanks for my many blessings.
When I start feeling anxious I start going down the list. Thankfulness is a great antidote for fear.

So here Lord, is my prayer.
Thank You! You are a good and faithful God. Help us to remember to turn to You. Strengthen us and remind us that we need not be afraid. Thank You for watching over us, every minute of the day. You are holding us by the hand Lord. You never leave us alone. May we purpose to seek and find the promises You have given us in Your Word, as we keep our hearts and minds on You. Jesus, we cannot do this on our own. We thank You for Your help to accomplish these things. Thank You for your never failing Love. AMEN!

Psalm 86:5 NKJV For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things

Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

1 Chronicles 16:34 ³⁴O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Isaiah 41:10 New King James Version (NKJV)¹⁰ Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’