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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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. (Phil 4:6-7, NIV)

 

It’s hard not to be anxious right now when our world has been turned upside down by the Coronavirus. Some of us are trying to work from home with little ones at our feet. For some, underlying anxiety has become full-blown panic with everything we’re hearing on the news and seeing evidence of on the grocery store shelves.

 

So, why would God tell us not to worry so many times in the Bible (i.e., Philippians 4:6)? Doesn’t he see what’s going on? Doesn’t he see my income dwindling and the panic I feel looking at the empty shelves?

 

It boils down to this: God tells us not to worry because he is in control. He’s at the wheel steering us through this crisis (it’s not even a crisis to him!).

 

He has the power to protect what we fear to lose and to restore what has been taken. He tells us not to fear because he is all-knowing. He knows that you worry. He sees you. He knows that there is light at the end of this tunnel.

 

As a mom who has suffered postpartum depression and anxiety, I can tell you this: God is working on behalf of his children, whether you feel it or not. You can have faith in him.

 

A prayer for today:

 

Father, these are unsettling times we’re in right now. But we thank you for being in control of all things. Thank you for reminding us that we don’t need to fear the unknown because you love us, we are known by you and you are working for good, no matter how we feel.

 

If you would like to hold “virtual hands” with other moms as we support one another through this time, join our private Facebook group: Calm and Courageous Moms Networking Group.