Who would’ve thought that a viral pandemic would turn our entire world on its axis and alter life as we know it in a matter of weeks/months? While it was on my radar as it began spreading across Europe (and the rest of the world), I never could have imagined the level of anxiety that would come with it.
School & business closures for the foreseeable future, travel bans & border closures, quarantine restricting all non essential movement, mandate to wear masks outside your home, special shopping hours for senior citizens to minimize risk of infection, panic shopping clearing shelves (in America), daily death tolls in the hundreds in Italy, economic hardship. There are far too many related stressors to name.
What the news isn’t covering is the effect all of this is having on the mental health of the grieving families who can’t bury their loved ones, the millions of parents who’ve had to become interim teachers, those who’ve lost their jobs, the moms managing groceries, meals, household chores & keeping their families from going stir crazy. This pandemic has created a ripple effect far beyond what the eye can see.
Everyone handles anxiety differently. I for one turned to the God of hope. My safe place and source of strength. Even still, I realized very quickly that this weight was far too heavy for me to carry on my own. Government mandates changing daily, death tolls and new developments flooding the news & social media, concern for our own families. It’s enough to send us over the edge if we’re not careful. There are days my lungs struggle to take in enough oxygen, sending my mind into a state of worry over whether I’m experiencing viral symptoms or anxiety.
When this happens, I do the best thing I now how to do and take it to the Lord in prayer. As I stand beneath the heat of the shower and force air into my lungs, I cry out to my healer to deliver me from the affect this situation is having on my subconscious mind. I’ve found that praying God’s word back to Him is one of the best ways to connect with Him and remind myself of His promises. Simply change the wording to pray the following scriptures throughout the day from your heart to His ears.
“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
Thank you Lord that I have peace in you. In spite of the trouble surrounding us, I have hope because you have overcome the world.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I am strong and courageous. I will not be afraid or discouraged, for You are with me wherever I go.
“ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
2 Timothy 1:7
When I meditate on the word as I go about the day, my anxiety and all its side effects fade away. Take heart my friends. Experiencing anxiety doesn’t make you hypocritical. It makes you a human in need of a savior. God has shown me what it truly means for HIS strength to be made perfect in our weakness. Are you willing to surrender everything concerning you to the lover of your soul? He’s waiting to carry your burdens in exchange for His amazing peace.
This is a peculiar time that will change us, and likely the world forever. I believe God wants us to utilize this isolation to alleviate distractions and draw closer to Him. When you have no choice but to spend time with your family and yourself, don’t forget about our savior. He’s calling us deeper.
This is a unique opportunity to get our priorities straight, and our hearts right with the one who loves us most. I pray that none of you will miss the blessing looming in the midst of this storm. Our Father makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him. He is Jehovah Nissi – the Lord our banner of victory! Covid-19 is no exception.
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious with all that’s happening, I want you to know that I’m praying for you. I’m also providing you with a set of free Scripture Cards for Anxiety to refer to in your prayer time. Print and hang them around the house so that you can declare God’s promises as often as you feel the need.
We will get through this one day at a time. Believe it or not, the victory over this pandemic has already been won by the blood of Jesus that was shed for you and me. Hang in there! Better days are coming!
Join me in the comments to discuss how you’re handling quarantine anxiety or any other affects you’re experiencing.
Quarantine Resources
Watch my video on “5 Essential Quarantine Tips for Moms”
Click here to read “19 things to do in Response to Covid 19” by Pastor Kelsie Mullen
Click to read “5 Essential Quarantine Tips for Moms” with free printable
Your scripture cards are so cheery-looking! They would be fantastic placed on a mirror, in the car, in a book as a bookmark, etc. Anywhere and everywhere to serve as a reminder to be at peace.
Thanks so much Carri! That is my hope!
God has definitely been using the times to draw me and my family closer to him.
Same here! It’s so nice to spend more intimate time with Him.
Anxiety is definitely something so many are battling right now. I love these scripture cards.
For sure! I was dealing with it for the first week or so. Praying the scriptures really helped.