This posts is one in a series of posts created during a time of national unrest amidst health concerns caused by Covid-19 and the ensuing quarantine/social distancing. Check back frequently for new posts as we seek encouragement and hope from one another, as well as creative and uplifting ways to not only pass the time, but thrive during the storm.
It’s a crazy time we find ourselves in as a nation. The steps our local and national governments are taking to protect us have never been implemented in our lifetime, and understandably, we are all reacting differently. Most of us, sadly, are reacting out of our fear and anxiety instead of acting out of faith and confidence. So how do we fan the flames of our faith instead of fueling the fire of fear?
Fear and anxiety look different in everyone. Maybe you’re a fighter, or maybe you’re more of a hibernator. Maybe your fear has caused you to buy a lot of supplies that you probably don’t need. Maybe your fear is causing you to refresh your news feed every 10 seconds. Maybe your fear is causing you to lash out in sarcasm or hide behind mocking people because it feels safer to poke fun of someone than it feels to acknowledge your own fear.
But maybe, there’s another way to manage fear and anxiety. Maybe we could actually view our present reality as an invitation to reflect on what we could be learning through this.
God loves us SO MUCH that He can’t bear the thought of us living outside of His protection and love. It breaks the Father’s heart to see us struggling through our pain without Him. In our church services this weekend, Pastor Ted Bryant said “Both God and the devil want to use the storm you’re in.” God wants to grow us through the storm. The devil wants to destroy us through the storm. Whose plan will you follow? It is an invitation.
So, it’s worth asking. Lord, what are you teaching me? Am I struggling with control? pride? arrogance? mistrust? Have I placed my hope in anything else besides you? Ask Him to reveal the answer to you and give you the courage to let go of whatever it is you’re holding on to instead of Him.
Through this (or any) storm, we are invited to make course corrections that draw us closer to God. We’re invited to sit in God’s presence and ask Him to reveal Himself to us; His good and loving nature; His peace that surpasses all understanding.
There is a verse I love in Proverbs. It’s actually one of the verses that inspired me to start my With Heart mission + message. The verse is Proverbs 3:5 and while many have heard it in its traditional context (love the Lord your God with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding), I love the way The Message translates it into conversational language for us.
“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track. Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God!”
Proverbs 3:5 (msg)
Are you running to God or are you running from God?
So while we’re all in quarantine, whether you’re sick with covid-19 or simply abiding by government recommendations for prevention, there are steps we can all take during this time to work on our faith, and you don’t even have to leave your house.
Working on your faith
- Read your bible. Start with the New Testament, read as much as you want. A good daily reading plan whether you’re new to reading your bible or have been reading it for years, is to read 1 chapter from the New Testament, 1 Psalm and 1 Proverb. Read with a highlighter and highlight any part of the scripture that stands out to you. This is the living word of God, and if we read with open minds and an open heart, you WILL hear from God. I loved what our guest speaker at church said last week: If you want to hear God audibly, read your bible out loud. So if you’re waiting to hear from God, get reading! You can get a FREE bible reading app right here.
- Watch this sermon series from start to finish (those including the word “Storm” in the titles). The series is all about different storms we face in life. The messages will guide you, help you and also give you some amazing perspective. I love how timely this series was for our church family, and will continue to share this resource for anyone going through a difficult time (which is all of us).
- Read. Here are some books I’ve loved recently and think would benefit anyone looking to grow their spiritual muscles in the coming weeks.
Everybody Always // this book may help you love those around you who are responding to circumstances differently than you. Let it grow empathy in you and make you more loving.
Present over Perfect // one of my all time favorite books. There is no time like now to practice presence.
The Road Back to You // an interesting time to learn about the Enneagram if you haven’t already. It may help you understand not only how YOU are responding and explain your feelings, but also the reactions and feelings of those around you who may have different motivators than you.
The Day I Was Crucified // we are in the season of Lent after all. This is a perfect season to read this quick book in preparation for celebrating the greatest victory in history.
Whisper // I read this book about a year ago, and it was incredibly enlightening to me as I listen for God’s voice in my own life.
The Last Arrow // I loved this book and the “hold nothing back” message it represents.
Circle Maker + Draw the Circle // I’m finishing this prayer challenge now, and I love everything I have learned so much, I might just repeat it as soon as I finish.
It’s Not Supposed To Be This Way // when life doesn’t go as planned, Lysa guides us through how to manage the storms we face.
- Make a mantra. One mantra we are repeating in our house is “I’ve got this because God’s got me.” Write it on post-it’s, scribble it on the top of your hand, repeat it whenever you start to focus on fear. I’ve got this because God’s got me. Maybe your mantra is different than ours, which is great. Feel free to use scripture as a mantra, too! Maybe you even start with Proverbs 3:5. Have a verse or phrase that grounds you, refocuses your attention and brings you peace. If you need a quick reference for where to find some empowering scriptures, search through all of these options in my With Heart scripture illustration made by my sister, Maddie Laidig Designs! It’ll get you in the word and maybe God will speak to you through some of these specific verses.
- Fill your feed with faith. There are so many accounts on social media who are sharing positive energy and good messages during this crazy time. There are even more, however, that are fueling the fire of our fears, inciting division among us, and turning to sarcasm and mockery as a coping mechanism. Might I encourage you to choose more of the former? Here are some amazing accounts that are full of positivity and faith:
Well Watered Women / Psfortysix / Jenessa Wait / Proverbs 31 Ministries / Hannah Brencher / Sharon Hodde Miller / I will continue to update this list with reader suggestions!
- Listen to positive music. Whether you’re a Christ follower or not, I think worship music is a lifeline that we get to hold on to in hard times. Remember when I talked about refocusing and course correcting when we start to drift? Worship music is a really helpful way to stay on track because it’s constantly playing in the background, and what the ears hear, the heart responds to. If we hear lyrics like “turn your eyes upon Jesus” or “I will praise before my breakthrough” or “heaven help me” or “you are here, moving in our midst” we are inclined to think those thoughts throughout our day. I’m keenly aware of how much closer I am to the Lord on days I’m listening to music that points to Him. It’s such a simple way to bring a little more light into our homes, too, and it never hurts to have it playing for little ears that are listening. Here are a few Apple Music playlists that I regularly cycle through:
Inspired Chill / Lauren Daigle Essentials / Rise Up / Top Worship
We don’t have to let the fear of the unknown future drive us. We can allow our faith to be our driver, but it’s a daily choice. Choose life; choose faith; choose to not only have a glass-half-full mentality, but to see that with God’s help, our cup overflows (Psalm 23:5). I am for you and I hope you see amazing growth during this time and that God delivers a miracle in your life so desperately needed and so magnificent, it could only point back to His goodness and love.
With Heart ❤️