“But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 TPT
“Make the conscious choice to move the attention of your anxious heart away from the waves and direct it to the One who walks on them and says, ‘It’s me, don’t be afraid’”
These are uncertain times. For many of us, we have yet to live through a crisis impacting the world as detrimentally as the COVID-19 pandemic. In a matter of weeks, we have seen thousands of lives taken, more infected, the economy completely crash, and now we find ourselves living in a state of literal social isolation. Bad news seems almost inescapable as it plagues every news channel and social media platform. For me, it’s easy to submit to a state of panic and disappointment as feelings of anxiety are amplified in the silence of loneliness.
It’s true that the world is suffering. Carrying the weight of all of this can feel enormously heavy and the walls can very tangibly feel like they are closing in on us.
Without making this too simplistic, I hope you find encouragement in knowing that our God is bigger than all of this. The ultimate healer and provider for all of our needs is the same yesterday, today, and he will be the same tomorrow. None of this comes as a surprise to him. Does it make sense right now? Absolutely not. Is it easy? Of course not. Will he give us the strength that we need to make it through this? You better believe it!
It’s in times of uncertainty that we are forced to more fully rely on Jesus to carry us through.
One of my favourite authors, Henri Nouwen wrote “make the conscious choice to move the attention of your anxious heart away from the waves and direct it to the One who walks on them and says, ‘It’s me, don’t be afraid’”. The Lord is very close to us in times of trouble and uncertainty. When the ground feels like it is constantly shifting below your feet, rest in knowing that he is a trustworthy foundation, and the ultimate safe place to land.
It isn’t easy to stay in this place of uncertainty, wondering what comes next. I challenge you not to merely push your feelings of anxiety aside, but to instead sit with it and allow the Holy Spirit to come and fill the deepest needs of your heart. There is no room for fear when we recognize how deeply loved we are.
Let’s make the conscious choice to tune our hearts away from the noise of the world which evokes fear and panic, and instead listen more closely to the voice which whispers that we are tenderly loved, cared for, and held in the midst of uncertainty.
Pray this prayer today:
Father, when I feel overwhelmed would you remind me that you are in control. Though it is easy to feel alone, I know that you are close by walking with me through all of this. May my eyes be set on you and away from the ever-changing news of the world. Use this season to shape me more into your likeness as I daily choose to trust in you. Thank you for the steady gift of your love which I can always rely on.
Amen.