When you are having a panic attack, one of the best sets of advice is the 5 method. You should name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This is done to keep you rooted to reality and not drag you off into the world your mind is creating. This is of the utmost importance for those that are plagued by the what ifs?
This has been my first lesson in dealing with the corona-virus. In a world full of unknowns, I must cling to the known. What do I know to be true? This is where I fall back to my faith in my unchanging God.
Revelations 1:8 says “I am the Alpha and the Omega- the beginning and the end, says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, was always was, and who is still to come- The Almighty One.”
In no way, shape, or form was God “surprised” by this sickness. We live in a very broken world. There is no way around this. God has never, ever caused anything that would bring pain to his children. Due to the infection of sin, death is the curse of every son of Adam. BUT God has sent His Son to save us!
What do I know? I know WITHOUT a doubt that I am loved with an indescribable and unending love. When it seems like all control is lost, I know where to go to find control and reassurance.
Everything is temporary ahe the feeling of control is a lie. Even when we think that we have it under control, we know that in reality one thing changes and we lose all we had planned. Nothing is for certain. Except for what the Word tells us is eternal.
“Shout that people are like grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in the field. The grass withers and the flowers fade beneath the breath of the Lord And so it is with people. The grass withers and the flowers fade but the Words of the Lord stand forever.” Isaiah 40: 6-8
Which leads me to the second thing I am sure of. God’s word is truth. It doesn’t bend or break. It doesn't shake or shatter. It is a solid foundation to build my life on. If God has said it, I believe it.
When I was coming out of anesthesia after my surgery this past December, I was so sick and so scared. When I opened my eyes, everything seemed to be spinning. I closed my eyes and simply said “Jesus.” I offered no fancy, wordy prayer. No promises or conditions. I just kept repeating His name over and over. I know that in His name is power. I don’t claim to know it all, but that I can be sure of His love and comfort for me.
I know that praying and reading scripture out loud has power. So this I ask you- to read, pray, and believe out loud. In times of uncertainty, hold to that what you know is certain. That which you can say, pray, and believe!
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in times of trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear,
though the earth is transformed
and the mountains are toppled
into the depths of the seas,
3though their waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake in the surge.
Selah
4There is a river whose streams delight the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5God is within her; she will not be moved.
God will help her when morning dawns.
6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble;
the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
7The LORD of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
8Come, see the works of the LORD,
who brings devastation upon the earth.
9He makes wars to cease throughout the earth;
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
He burns the shieldsb in the fire.
10“Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted over the earth.”
11The LORD of Hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
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