Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8 NIV

What occupies your thoughts?

For so many, the COVID19 pandemic is all we hear about, talk about, think about. We wash our hands and count to twenty. We don our masks and gloves to fill our gas tanks and buy our milk. Even at home, we distance ourselves from friends and neighbors for fear of contracting the deadly disease or spreading it unwittingly.

Yesterday, I held my grandson. Only a week old, he’s so vulnerable. As I considered the dangers which threaten the precious child in my arms, fear overwhelmed me. I drew him to my heart and began to pray.

I cried out to God on behalf of my children and grandchildren. The supernatural peace of God replaced the fear which gripped me only moments before. Thanksgiving inevitably followed and soon my prayers were full of praise.

• I thanked God for what was true – my grandson was healthy, strong, growing.
• I thanked him for what was noble – my children are following the Lord, seeking his counsel, desiring his will for their lives.
• I thanked God for what was lovely – the day, the breeze, the song of the mockingbird.
• I thanked him for what was excellent – his love, his compassion, his grace, his patience, his forgiveness.
• I thanked him for what was praiseworthy – eternal life which began the moment I believed on his Son, Jesus Christ, and the hope of Jesus’ return.

The hope I have conquers the fear of death. It extinguishes lies telling me I am powerless. COVID19 has nothing on God. It cannot harm me. My faith is a firm foundation, because it’s rooted in the love and sovereignty of God. God is my refuge and strength.

So, when fears threaten to overwhelm you, remember Philippians 4:6-8 and pray what is true.

And if you can’t come up with anything on your own, go to Psalm 103 which says,

Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s… Psalm 103:1-5 NIV