These days it’s easy to feel anxious and worried about what concerns us. Lying awake in the middle of the night thinking about everything doesn’t help. I have laid awake many nights, thinking about what happened earlier that day and what awaits me as I face a new day. It’s easy to feel anxious in those moments. Counting sheep has done nothing to comfort me in those moments.
The Bible tells us to cast our concerns on the Lord. That sounds great, but what happens when fear takes over?
We can get overwhelmed by fear quickly, especially during times like this. 24-hour news cycles, television updates, and social media blurbs about everything from COVID-19 to rumors of war can be overwhelming. Add to that our physical and financial limitations and those already compromised physically. I do not recall ever living through something of the magnitude w are experiencing today. I’m either too young or oblivious in years past.
For some, it’s the perfect storm.
Instead of focusing on all the negative, let’s see if we can focus on something inspirational that will help us get through each day.
Let’s look at Psalm 55:16-23
As for me, I call to God,
and the Lord saves me.
17 Evening, morning, and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
18 He rescues me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
19 God, who is enthroned from of old,
who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
because they have no fear of God.
20 My companion attacks his friends;
he violates his covenant.
21 His talk is smooth as butter,
yet war is in his heart;
his words are more soothing than oil,
yet they are drawn swords.22 Cast your cares on the Lord
and he will sustain you;
he will never let
the righteous be shaken.
23 But you, God, will bring down the wicked
into the pit of decay;
the bloodthirsty and deceitful
will not live out half their days.”
But as for me, I trust you, Lord.
Lord, today I choose to trust you. Father, you are all-knowing and loving. Nothing has gone unnoticed by you, Lord – nothing.
Today, I cast my concerns on you, Lord, and ask you to carry them for me because I realize I cannot carry them all by myself. I am not as strong as you, Lord.
Let’s pray
Father, so many concerns are overwhelming to many people, and many people are afraid. We are living with the fear of the unknown. But this is not unknown to you, Lord. I pray for all those in the medical field, the manufacturing field, the supply chains, workers, government, state, and local officials as they try and tackle situations that are overwhelming this nation.
Father, I also pray for all those families who have lost loved ones to the virus. I also pray for families who lost loved ones unrelated to the virus.
Heavenly Father, be with those who are struggling today. Comfort the elderly who are quarantined to their homes. Please strengthen me each day and those who are doing everything they can to help others.
Lord, please forgive me where I have failed you. You say in your word that if I confess my sins to you, you will forgive them and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace. Father, please forgive my tendency to fear what is happening all around me and help me stand on the solid foundation of faith. I cast all of my concerns on you, Lord, because I believe you can handle them. I pray all these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
Blessings!
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