We are living in unprecedented times when the entire world seems to be under attack. Anxiety, panic, depression, desperation and uncertainty seem to be the norm of the day. Fear is attacking all people – the strong and the weak, the rich and the poor, the old and the young, the believer and the non-believer – no one is exempted.
People are fearful of contracting the Coronavirus virus, fear of death and dying, fear of the ramifications of a failed economy, fear of not having enough money amidst the mounting bills, fear of starvation, fear of disaster, fear of the unknown future. The fear list seems endless.
Many people are crying out to God for divine intervention. And many have turned their backs on God. Are you one of those persons? Are you buried in loneliness, losing sight of God’s love for you? Do you find yourself feeling hopeless and ready to give up on God? Well, hang in there! God never sends you into a situation alone. He goes before you. He stands beside you. He walks behind you.
Whatever situation you have right now, be confident. God is with you. Please do not give up on God, because God will never give up on you. God has a way of meeting you right where you are. In the midst of your struggle, God is there with you. God is always there for you. He will make a way.
My brothers and sisters, Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 26:3, also tells us, “Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because He trusteth in thee.”
Those scriptures are comforting my friends. They assure us that even in a world filled with turmoil we can find peace. We just need to know where to look for it. We need to turn to God’s word for it. The Bible is inundated with scriptures that can help us to endure during times like these.
We can turn to the Lord and cast all our cares upon Him. When the Lord is our Shepherd, we will fear no evil. When our life is founded upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ, we will be able to remain steadfast and unmovable amidst these unsettling circumstances.
Jesus Christ will counteract the fear and panic with His perfect peace and rest. He will replace the “spirit of fear” with His very own presence of power, love, and a sound mind. He will cause us to think clearly, empower us to do right, and motivate us with His unconditional love. In addition, God will supply all of our needs and get us through this terrible situation. We are in good hands in the Lord my friends. We must rest in Him. We must place our trust in Him. We must never give up on Him.
Psalms 91:1 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty”. The world is panicking wondering what to do, but if we genuinely believe in God we have no need to fear. We must stand on and in His word. We must dwell, abide steadfast, in the secret place of the Most High under the shadow of the Almighty.
The secret place is in the hands of God. As long as we stay in His hands no man, no pestilence, no virus shall be able to pluck us out. In His hands we have peace that passeth all understanding during these challenging times.
Many times, in our lives, situations may seem hopeless. We may even question, “Where is God in all this?” We may wonder how anything good could possibly come of our situation. But Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.”
We must believe God is in control and whatever happens, happens for a reason. God has a reason why He allows it. Nothing takes God by surprise. God knows all things. God also knows the beginning and the ending long before things happen. That is the reason why He says to us, in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Therefore, in the midst of anxiety and turmoil, the Lord desires for us to find rest in Him and through Him. He promises that whatever trials we have to go through, they will not last forever.
So today, allow yourself to find rest in His presence. Find calmness in the midst of your storm. Resting in God and the peace that comes from God is found in His steadfastness and putting your trust in him.
Remember: Life’s trials will test you, and shape you, but do not let them change who you are. No matter the difficulty, do not give up on God because God will never give up on you.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre.
