Peace or panic during the pandemic...your choice.

The level of panic and anxiety across the world is at an all-time high. Before this pandemic, anxiety was already working to take a prominent foothold in the lives and hearts of those around. Now adding a worldwide pandemic to the picture has caused indescribable panic. The fear of the unknown has always caused alarm, but this is a whole new level.

I'm sitting here during day 3 of our quarantine, and I am so overwhelmed with the love of the Lord. During all of the chaos, unknowns, and unanswered questions that we are experiencing, God is not surprised. He knew this was coming and He knows what is going to happen. He isn't stressing or panicking. The Lord has given me specific words for each year that He has had me focus on and learn.

2017: Perspective 2018: Power 2019: Prayer 2020: Peace

I have no clue if the fact that they all start with the letter "P" means anything, but if that means something, I have no doubt He will reveal that to me in due time. But for each of these annual lessons, they have all been building blocks on each other. They have helped carry me through the trials of every year.

I have learned that I have the power through prayer to change my situation by merely adjusting my perspective from panic to peace.

I can either focus on the pandemic around me, or I can shift my focus to the fact that the Lord has given me power through prayer. But that is a CHOICE that I must make. I can easily focus on the tough times around me and allow my thoughts to spiral into a place of panic, or I can CHOOSE to look to the Lord for the peace that He has promised me. Yes, take the necessary precautions, but giving in to fear is not a precaution, it is actually the opposite. It causes you to be more susceptible to the virus. Fear and panic weaken your immune system. According to Dr. Alane Daughtery from Psychology Today, "When stress, anxiety, worry, overwhelm, depression and isolation are left unchecked, they actually reduce the effectiveness of your immune system and make you, and those around you much more susceptible to getting sick.  When your immune system is challenged, you are more likely to contract and spread a circulating virus and expose those around you, your communities, and our global population.." So conquering your fear is a necessary precaution. The Lord says 365 times in the Bible, "Do not fear." In this time of panic, peace is more vital than ever. Anxiety and panic are mental. Yes, they are very real, but they deal directly with your mind. And who better to guard your mind than Christ? Rest in the fact that peace is a promise. And the Lord keeps His promises. Let me say that again...PEACE IS A PROMISE.

Peace is a promise.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Don't be anxious about ANYTHING, but in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Peace is a gift waiting for you to grab it, but it's your choice. It's your choice to take every thought of fear and anxiety captive. It's your choice to pray about everything and tell God your worries. It is your choice to allow God to guard your heart and mind. It is your choice to choose peace or panic. As for me and my house, we choose peace over panic during this pandemic.

Father, I speak peace over every person who reads this post. I thank you for their lives. I thank you for the plan that you have for their life. I thank you that the coronavirus has absolutely no power over them and over Your plan for their life. I pray that they have the strength to continually choose peace. I pray that they have the power to choose peace and to conquer panic. I speak healing and peace over each person affected by the virus, whether directly or indirectly. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

If you need anyone to speak to during this time of social distancing, know I am here for you. Please feel free to reach out!