ON THE PORCH
DO NOT FEAR
**“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” ~ Psalm 56:3
While heading to church yesterday morning, the clouds were low and the fog was thick. When I looked out the window and saw the blades of a wind turbine moving, I felt like God was saying, “Whether you see me or not, I am still here, and I am still at work.” I could see the base and the bottom of the blades as the windmill turned, but I couldn’t see the top. Still, it was there and as sturdy as it is on a sunny day. It also continues to do it’s job, foggy or not. Our visibility and attention as a whole has gotten so clouded by the Corona Virus, that we are having trouble remembering that God is there, and He is still at work.
It seems our world has gone mad and everything we’ve ever known is upside down…people are panicking, our businesses are closing, our schools and colleges are moving to online classes and canceling graduations, weddings are reunions are being postponed, and a lot of churches have canceled services “until further notice”. In fact, one state has already passed a law prohibiting public gatherings of over 100 people, and churches were not on the exemption list. The COVID-19 virus has invaded America, and fear has invaded our hearts.
**The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10
satan is throwing a party in the pit of hell that America is now living in fear. This is exactly what he wants. We have been a burr under his saddle for a LONG time. America has been a strong Christian country, sending out missionaries to witness to other nations, keeping Him at the center of our country, standing on faith, and we’ve brought glory to God for over two centuries.
We must not let fear take over our hearts and lives and turn our focus away from Jesus. The Bible has many examples of Israel being in a seemingly impossible situation, yet God took care of them. We must trust that God still loves us as much as He ever has, and He will provide for us, too. God is not up in heaven wringing His hands wondering what will happen to America. And when the whole world is going crazy, we should be the light in the darkness that points them to the Prince of Peace.
Fear of the unknown is the hardest fear to overcome for me. So I want to share an ACRONYM that I keep close.
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
**Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8
GOD NEVER CHANGES! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and He will not abandon us.
**If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
I think we need to take precautions and ask God for wisdom in how to proceed. I don’t think we need to ignore this and stick our heads in the sand, but I also don’t think we need to panic and think God has “left the building.” He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. He isn’t going to walk out on us now. He knew there would be a Corona virus outbreak long before we did, and He will still be here long after it’s over.
Today, I am wrapping up early, and sending 19 verses, the same # as the COVID #19 is labeled. Reading His Word always brings peace to my heart and helps me regroup and take a deep breath. “Do not fear” is in the bible 365 times!! Coincidence, I think not. God gave us a different verse for every single day of the year. He sees the road ahead that we don’t, and He is still in control.
**“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought joy to my soul.” ~ Psalm 94:19
Be assured, God is with us no matter what we face, in the turmoil and struggles, amidst the anxious thoughts and the worries of life. He is there, strengthening, helping, and He holds you in His hands.
God is greater. He gives us the power to live courageously, boldly, fearlessly in this life, when many things that surround us would tell us to be afraid. His truth whispers strong and sure to the deepest core of our spirits. We must remember, He has already overcome this crazy world we’re living in!!
**I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
LORD, today I pray for Your peace that passes anything we can humanly understand to rule in our hearts. That is where our thinking and feelings reside, and that is where we must start. Our whole country has gone crazy, and it is so easy to enter the hysteria and let fear take over. When others are screaming at us to panic, give us the wisdom to know how to take precautions and be levelheaded about this virus, but not allow fear and the hysteria to rule our lives. Continually bring our eyes and focus back to You. You still sit on the throne, and You know what the future holds. May we, as Christians, be examples to the world of who You are and Who we put our trust in. In this dark and scary time, let us shine bright and bring You glory. May we point others to You, the only One who can calm their fears. For those families who will be affected by the Corona virus, whether severe or light cases, please help them through the hard days, heal their bodies, and give them Your peace, LORD. Comfort them as they heal. Heal our hearts and our land, LORD as ONLY You can. Amen
1. **“For God has not given us a Spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ 2 Timothy 1:7
2. **“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
3. **“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 minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7
4. **Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
5. **“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
6. **“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34
7. **“Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that He will lift you up in His own good time. Leave all your worries with Him, because He cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7
8. **“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” ~ Isaiah 35:4
9. **“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” ~ Psalm 27:1
10. **“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6
11. **“’For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” ~ Isaiah 41:13-14
12. **“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” ~ Psalm 46:1
13. **“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” Psalm 34:7
14. **“I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” ~ Psalm 34:4
15. **“Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God Himself will fight for you.” ~ Deuteronomy 3:22
16. **“And I am convinced that NOTHING can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ~ Romans 8:38-39
17. **“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ~ Psalm 91:1-2
18. **“Then He placed His right hand on me and said: ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.’” ~ Revelation 1:17
19. **“Peace is what I leave with you; it is My own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27
ON THE PORCH 