His Encouragement #82

How are you hanging in wherever you are today? Regardless if you’re an introvert or extrovert, this quarantining for COVID-19 has most likely impacted your life in a major way. As an extrovert myself I have to admit it’s been a struggle for me. It’s not necessarily for how things are now, but the unknown for how long this will last. The news has gone from saying it may be a few weeks to now saying we might be dealing with it until July or August. Kids have gone from being told they’ll be out of school for two weeks to now expect they probably won’t go back the rest of the school year. One minute you feel safe with a week or two’s worth of toilet paper, and the next you’re freaking out because you never know when you’ll be able to catch it in stock again. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that the panic over this whole situation is the bigger monster. It’s not to say that the virus itself isn’t serious, but the panic that has been created over it has been more about having what we want/need/think we need more than actually getting sick. Am I wrong?

As someone who will admit to dealing with anxiety, I am beyond thankful to report that I have not caught on to the whole panic of this ordeal. If anything I’m more frustrated that people aren’t listening to the quarantining guidelines because I feel like that’s what will draw this whole thing out longer instead of nipping it in the bud and moving on. However, as an extrovert I don’t handle isolation very well. My husband seems to have no complaints as an introvert, but even he has voiced his concerns on how he’ll feel once he starts working from home as well. I confess that I have let the threat of long-term isolation effect my mood and I’m already feeling a little stir crazy over here.

I know I’m doing a bunch of blabbing, but I promise I have a point here. Where is your mind in all of this? Are your eyes fixed on everything going on around you and allowing it to steal your peace, or are your eyes fixed on God and trusting that even though we don’t know the outcome, nothing comes as a surprise to our Heavenly Father and He remains in control?

³ You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.

~Isaiah 26:3-4

I’m not saying don’t be informed about what’s going on around you, but don’t let panic steal your peace.

In closing I just want to point out a few things that can be a huge help for people in need around you. A little help can go a long way, and what an opportunity we have to show Christ’s love to others around us even if we have to do so from a distance.

1. If you have elderly, disabled, or other at-risk neighbors–check on them and see if they need help!
2. If you are already a homeschool mom, would you share words of help and encouragement to those who have rapidly and unexpectedly become such? Maybe share some websites or other materials for learning activities?
3. Call a friend just to say hi and see how they’re doing.
4. Wash your hands
5. Don’t be a hoarder. And if you have plenty of supplies, be kind enough to be observant and willing to share if you see another in need.
6. Instead of making fun of others or putting them down–be supportive and encouraging.
7. If you’re struggling yourself, reach out to a friend. Even if you need to remain physically distant, sometimes a phone call or video chat can go a long ways to brighten your day.

I know you may be tired of hearing about all of this everywhere, but I know that some people are genuinely struggling. Don’t waste this time. If you have family members, friends, neighbors, etc who don’t know the Lord, this is probably an even scarier time for them. Use this as an opportunity to share Christ’s love with them. You don’t need to throw your Bible at them, but your love in action can go a long way, and hopefully could provide an opportunity for them to meet Jesus. We may be socially limited physically in this time, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other things we can be doing.

GOD and GOD alone is our rock. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and He will give you peace <3

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Now, it’s your turn!

What Biblical verse is encouraging you today?

And, check out more Thursday Encouragement from my fellow blogger friends:

Nicole @ Christian Fiction Girl

Trisha @ Joy of Reading

Jacquelyn @ A Heavenly Home

Jessica @ A Baker’s Perspective

Gina @ Stories By Gina

Rebecca @Rev. Rebecca Writes

Andi @ Radiant Light

Leslie @ Words of Hope

If you would like to join us: please contact Trisha or Nicole