With all the free time I now have due to this quarantine, I thought what a great time to start a blog. I think we all can agree that the past few days have been a very stressful and emotional time for all of us. We really do not know what the future holds in the next coming weeks.
Many of us are in tough situations; whether it is missing out on a senior year, losing a job, or having to cancel a certain event, like a wedding. Many of us are in fear of the health and safety of ourselves and our loved ones. I am currently a nursing student getting ready to graduate in December and this is something that I don’t think any medical professional was prepared for. I have never expected anything like this to happen during my lifetime. I have decided to start this blog basically to document how my family and I are getting through this quarantine. Hopefully by reading this, you will find yourself feeling a little less stressed and not alone.
I cannot help but to feel that I am stuck in an episode of the Netflix Original series ‘Black Mirror’. A worldwide pandemic, where everything is shut down and people are locked inside. It really is hard to believe that this is actually happening. I can’t help but to keep asking myself “Why?” and “How much longer until life can go back to normal?”
There were so many things to look forward to within these next few months and now I am not even sure if any of these plans will now happen (I am sure many of you can relate). During a crisis, we find ourselves questioning why this is happening to us and this causes anxiety and stress and just overall crazy emotions and panic.
During these times, it is so easy to get all wrapped up in social media. So many people posting things about this virus that I don’t even know what really is true anymore. The posts and even the news are causing major chaos throughout the world. I am someone who struggles with anxiety and I overthink everything!!! When I find myself in fear or panicking there really is only one thing that truly helps me. My bible. Sometimes I find myself so overwhelmed and I don’t even know what to say or do, so I will take my bible turn to a random page and just see what God has to say to me.
I was reading Judges and came across a man named Gideon. In the days of Gideon, the people of Israel were living in a constant state of fear. In fear of their enemies, the Israelites would go into hiding to try and protect themselves. An Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and basically hyped him up and told him to trust God and that God was going to be his light through this time of darkness.
Here we are in 2020, hiding in our homes from our “enemy” aka this virus. Out of fear people are hoarding grocery and personal hygiene items. People are scared and full of fear, because we really have no idea what is going to happen. There are so many distractions in this world, we need to stop letting life’s worries take our eyes off of what can really help us get through these times, and that is Jesus.
In Judges 6:24 it says, “Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom”. This phrase Jehovah-shalom has not left my thought since reading it. From Hebrew, Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord”. And Shalom is translated to “peace” or “absence from strife”.
Jehovah-shalom (שלום יהובה) is translated 170 times throughout the bible. It is a reminder that God is peace.
So my advice with everything going on:
1. Let God be your peace
2. Embrace the peace of God
3. Let His peace occupy your heart
4. Let His peace overtake your mind
If the Coronavirus has taught us one thing it should be that we are not in control. It may not feel like it right now, but our God is in full control. All of our lives are on hold and we are all playing the waiting game. Believe it or not, God has a plan. We must stand still and wait. God’s plan will play out and He promises to fight for us (Exodus 14:14).
Our God is so strong and powerful, nothing can defeat Him. You need to turn to the cross and trust in God and not in the fears and pestilence of this world. Do not let fear overtake you! Let your mind be guarded by and kept by His word. Trust in Christ.
Over these next few weeks, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to remind us of God’s presence in our lives. The circumstances are shaking around us, but God remains unshaken. He is a rock, an anchor. He is our refuge when we need to steady our emotions and get clarity of thought. You can have peace during this time, just pause and take a second. Lean into Him. Allow Him to wash over you.
Gideon’s story shows that He will guide you and protect you as you trust in Him. Have faith (pray to God, He is always listening), don’t waste this time (go outside, or do that DIY project you’ve been dying to do!), keep yourself occupied, and wash your hands! (:
Open your bible or even download the bible app (its free!) and look up some of these verses that may help ease your mind (I recommend for an easier read to use the NASB, NLT, or ESV versions):
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:7 NASB)
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)
“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 NIV)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16 NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27 NIV)
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