“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
When I was about five years old, Sunday school students were invited to go up to the front of the meeting room and read the verse of the day. Since I had memorized this verse, I raised my hand, and went up to the front and “read” it. We had the King James Version of the Bible. I remember “Cast all your cares on Him, for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). What a verse to start me on my Christian walk! And what a verse to fall back upon at such a time of anxiety. I like that the NIV uses the word “anxieties” here because that is exactly what we are facing during this time of COVID-19.
Everything seems to have changed. Many of us are working remotely from our homes. We don't go to the store unless we absolutely need to. The store shelves are often empty. We have to go to the grocery store at 6 A.M. if we want anything to be there. We worship from home on Sundays. I thank God that the Online ministry was in place. Just exactly what we needed!
But it is all so different. One thing does not change. One thing cannot change. God doesn't change. He keeps His promises. He tells us, I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). He promises to be with us. He knows the future. His promises remain the same because He keeps them; no matter what is happening around us!
Psalm 31, a psalm of David, as he calls out to the Lord, “Let your face shine on Your servant; save me in Your unfailing love.”
God will be with us. He hears our cries. He promises to never leave us. His promises are true. When we are anxious or afraid, we can (with God's help) turn our fear into faith. We can ask God to help us trust in Him.
After six (almost seven) decades, I would love to be able to say that I do not become anxious. But, unfortunately, I am constantly concerned about my home, family, church, etc., etc. In college, my nickname was M.O.M. (Marlene Our Mother) as I was the “mother hen” constantly clucking over my “chicks”!
I need to reread the words of Isaiah 41:10 : “So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right Hand.”
Do I know how long this “stay at home” will last? No. I do not know what will be in the
future. But I can, though prayer and praise, turn it all over to Him. God has promised to hear my prayers. He has promised to be with me.
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:26)
May God give our anxious hearts the peace that comes only from Him.
Marlene Grunow
Prayer Ministry Leader
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