God promises peace in anxious times

We find ourselves in an uncertain time, one in which we may feel out of control and anxious about things that are new and different: COVID-19, school closings, stock market plunging, self-quarantines, churches and businesses wondering whether to stay open … with bills that still need to be paid, and our store shelves lacking some basic supplies.
This anxiety is real. We are living in a time that seems to be out of control. What do we do?
Well, as Jesus followers, we pray, and we lean into the powerful promises of God, knowing that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16) and that Jesus “… will guard our hearts and minds with peace that surpasses all understanding,” (Philippians 4:7).
As for me, when I feel very small in this big and sometimes scary world, I think about how powerful and mighty our God is. How easy it is to lose that perspective in the face of fear!
Our great God who speaks loving promises over us is the very same Almighty God who simply spoke all things into existence. Our great God stretched out heavens like a curtain, calling out the stars by name, creating all that there is in the world simply by speaking a word (Isaiah 40 and Genesis 1).
When God says a thing, it simply is! It is this very same Almighty God who tenderly and graciously gives power to the faint, strengthens the powerless, and who promises to renew our strength (Isaiah 40).
People of God, while things that we face right now are indeed anxiety-producing, remember that your God is mighty, and his promises are certain and true.
When you do feel anxious, ask God to give you the thing that he promises to give: the peace that surpasses all understanding.
God will be faithful to do this for you. And in spite of church closings, do continue to find a way to get God’s word in your ear, which will nurture your faith (Romans 10:17) —a trusted podcast, a recording of a worship service or sermon, etc.
God’s peace be with you.
 
“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).