Promises Over Pandemics

A global pandemic…who would have ever thought we would experience something like this in our lifetimes. To see the world basically come to an almost complete standstill, is unprecedented. Our lives seemingly changed overnight and our daily routines are quite possibly forever changed. As I walked into the post office the other day for the first time in a while, (wearing a rather lovely face mask I might add) I couldn't help but be taken aback by the safety precautions that had been put into place. It was a glaring reminder that things have changed.

I will be the first to admit that I am not good with change..especially major change. It usually takes me quite a while to find my footing again. Depression sometimes creeps in and I begin complaining and doubting God more. My attitude might even be a little "unpleasant". It even affects how I interact with my husband and kids. But how do we keep from letting our present circumstances overtake us? We align ourselves with God's promises.

Remembering what God has promised us produces peace. Three things happen when we dwell on his promises:

1. We are reminded of who God is. Who does God say he is? What do we know to be true of Him?
• Well we know that he is our creator. Everything and everyone was created for his divine purpose. Therefore, he knows every detail of our lives-- the good, bad, and downright ugly. He is all-knowing and ever-present. I think David articulated it best in Psalm 139:1-16. God knows everything about us and we can't escape His presence.
• We also know Him to be a provider. Philippians 4:19 says "But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (KJV).” His provision for our lives is witnessed daily.
• God is also faithful. He keeps his promises. He doesn't go back on his Word. Unlike man, we can completely depend on Him. Psalms 33:4 says, “For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does (NIV).” 

                   There are so many more attributes of God, that I can't fully cover them all in this post. 

                     

2. We are reminded of God’s perfect timing. I am so grateful that God doesn’t view time the way we do. We are creatures who want what we want, when we want it. So much so that we often doubt the power of the almighty God, and try and take matters into our own hands.  His timing goes beyond what our limited minds can even conceive. 2 Peter 3:8 tells us, "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (ESV).”  So don't you think the One who orchestrates time, knows when to show up in our situation? He knew you would be in this place, at this moment, and He knows exactly what the outcome will be.

3. We are reminded to immerse ourselves in His word.  2 Timothy 3:16 tells us, "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (NASB).”  His word is our guide to daily living and it is where we receive spiritual nourishment to help us grow in our faith.  Through His word, we can trust his plans and be reassured that he is committed to fulfilling his promises.

A couple of days ago, I sat with my middle son as he cried in my lap. It was the official last day of school and the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic had really set in. He missed his friends, his teacher, and his school. The anxiety of it all came crashing down on him.  At that moment, I chose to share God's promises with him. As mothers, not only do we have to remind ourselves of what God says, we have to encourage our children as well.  Whatever situation you and your family face, God is there. He promised he would never leave us, nor forsake us. (Deuteronomy 31:8).  Make the choice to grab hold of His peace today.