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During this pandemic, there are questions. So. Many. Questions. Such as, what will school look like in the future for my children/grandchildren? Can I ever shop again without wearing a mask? Is there a hidden agenda of control from outside forces? How do I know what actions are safe or unsafe? How long must I stay ‘safe at home’? Friends, if not careful, worrisome panic will consume one’s emotions as questions without answers, control the mind. It is easy to slip into a worrisome panic while living in a season of unknown.
So what is a gal to do when worrisome panic wants to overtake the thought life?
I have a secret. Let me clarify to say some days may be harder than others and I do not always get it right, but as a rule, I can find peace in my daily routine. The secret, you may ask? Simply, “replace a worrisome panic with a warrior’s prayer.”
Remember, as a child of God, you and I are warriors. We were made to be strong and courageous, AND we have a powerful weapon for battle. “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Corinthians 10:4 (ESV) Ladies, you have a weapon to destroy strongholds. This weapon is prayer. Prayer is the answer for His strength and power in our daily life. Prayer is our secret weapon.
Here are three things to pray for when slipping into a pit of panic.
Pray for Strength: Ask God for strength to press forward. Pray against the spirit of apathy while in lockdown. He gives the power and victory in our daily battles. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.” Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)
Never forget to wear your armor for your spiritual battles. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
Pray for Wisdom: Ask God to give wisdom and guidance in your life, your family and the lives of those around you. Ask Him for wisdom in your daily steps as we maneuver the unknown future. Pray for our church and government leaders. God has the answers for life. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 (ESV)
Pray for Peace: Friends, as we look to Him instead of our circumstances His peace will flood our hearts and minds. You can have His calm assurance even in difficult times, such as a pandemic. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (ESV)
Remember, He wins in the end. Trust Him with your unknown. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV) You not only survive this pandemic, but you will thrive as you seek Him. Friends, you have the power to replace worrisome panic with a warrior’s prayer.
I promise, if I can do it, so can you.