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In the past eighteen months, has your life been completely uprooted like mine? Yeah, I thought so! I was just getting situated in a new way of life when bam! COVID-19 just continues to hang in there and cause trouble.
Like many others, I’m still working from home, but my social life has returned to something close to normal. I have an incredibly social first grader who is really missing her friends and can’t wait for school to start so her social life can return as well. But what if things shut down again?
Recently I was hit with the reality that things don’t really seem to be much better and no one knows when “normal” will return. My mind is so easily flooded with worries that are completely different from the beginning when we wondered, “Will I be able to find toilet paper?”
Now the question is, “How do we keep ourselves physically, spiritually and emotionally well?”
In the midst of a continuing crisis, it’s easy to get pulled into a cycle of fear, stress, and pure chaos. But what good does that do for us? How does that glorify God? What does fearful living tell others about our belief in God’s sovereignty?
Let me ask you one more question: Are you going to quickly abandon your trust in God’s provision for you just because the world seems to be crumbling? I say “seems” because, in all reality, it’s not crumbling. COVID-19 didn’t surprise God. He is still here. He has not left us to battle this season alone.
Here are three characteristics of God that I’ve been reminding myself of as we experience the chaos:
God is a God of Peace, Not Fear.
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
The concerns I mentioned above are real, but living in fear of them is not what God wants us to do. Rather than stress about your situation, I encourage you to sit quietly with God, sharing with Him all of your concerns. I have to remind myself often that God already knows my heart. He desires for me to come to Him and lay all of my worries and fears at His feet on a daily basis—not just in the hard times. It is in these quiet moments that God replaces my anxiety with peace, wisdom, and comfort.
God is a God of Order, Not Chaos.
I remember the first time I dug deep into Genesis 1:1-31. These scriptures showed me just how orderly God is. From the beginning of creation, God has always had a plan. Although it feels like we’re living in sheer chaos right now, it’s important to focus on the fact that God is still in control and has a purpose for what he’s allowing to happen. We may not always understand God’s order or purpose, but we can rest assured that our faith will be strengthened when we rely on Him.
Take advantage of this time and cling closer to God. Soak in the extra time you have with loved ones. Remind yourself that God’s plan is beyond yours. When this stressful and chaotic time passes, we’ll be able to look back and see how God provided, healed, and comforted us.
Even now, take some time to reflect back on all the ways God has provided for you. Discuss these experiences with a friend or a family member! This type of reflection is a great reminder of God’s faithfulness.
God is a God of Rest, Not Stress.
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30
These verses have always struck a chord with me and are particularly helpful during this hard time. We have a choice in how we respond to all of life’s moments. I want to remind you that God commands us to “come” to him. This is a choice only you can make for yourself.
When I read this passage of Scripture, I picture God on his knees waiting patiently for His children to run to him, that He might carry our burdens. What a gracious and kind God we have!
Lastly, I want to leave you with a prayer that has helped in my times of uncertainty:
“Lord, I need your peace. That’s why I’m handing this entire situation over to you. Humble me. Keep me from being wise in my own eyes. I pray that through my actions I can be a lighthouse in this trying time. Lord, help me as the body of Christ to continue walking in faith even when it may not make sense. Show me what steps to take and help me to trust you with this every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Copyright © 2021 by Charlotte Manas @https://antiochgt.com/blog/three-characteristics-of-god-we-must-remember/ No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.