There is no doubt whatsoever that 2020 has been rough for all of us. With all the unknowns, it’s natural to have some fear. After all, we’re only human. And as the year has progressed, it hasn’t gotten much better, right? COVID, shutdowns, riots, murders, unrest… Satan uses these things, our fears, uncertainties, and what ifs, against us. He wants us to believe all the lies and turn away from God, dwelling on the things of evil and of darkness because then he is in control.
So, what do we do about it? Life doesn’t come with a “How to” manual, right? Nope. We do have a manual. The Bible is our “How to do Life” manual. What does our instruction book say about all of this?
Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
In 2 Timothy 1:7 we’re told “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind.”
And Psalm 23:4 tells us “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff comfort me.”
We’re even told in Proverbs 29:25 that “fear is a snare.”
I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of fear this year. Y’all know my situation with anxiety and depression. The craziness of this year has not helped me; it’s actually made it worse. But I’ve turned to Jesus for help, and that’s what he wants us to do. He wants us to turn away from the darkness and come to him, the light.
I work in the school district and before school started back, I started praying Psalm 91 over my family, and myself. Specifically verses one, five through six, and 11. I kept repeating those verses over and over again like a mantra. I even created a wallpaper for my phone lock screen so that I would see it every single time I looked at my phone. I’ve also printed it out and have it on my desk at work. And you know what? It’s working. I’m still fearful, because here again, I’m only human. On the days when I really start spiraling downward again, I start my mantra and pray for peace.
I hope that this helps at least one of y’all who is in the same storm I am in. Our boats may be different, but the storm is the same. We just need to remember who quieted the storm, and pray for the storm to be quieted around and within us as well.
Mark 4:39 “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.”
