by Nancy Blackman
As we’re heading into week 6 or 7 (or one million, it seems!) of social distancing and staying at home because of the coronavirus, it’s so easy to get discouraged by what we’re seeing in our communities and hearing from the media about the situation.
How can we balance being informed, but not overwhelmed, by all of this? Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) says “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” I like how the New Living Translation puts it, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”
We all have valid concerns about our health, our relationships, and our finances, but we can’t let these things overwhelm us. We need to guard our hearts especially against:
- Fear. In Luke 21:26, Jesus said that “men’s hearts (are) failing them from fear.”
- Apathy/loss of love. “There will be such an increase of sin and lawlessness that those whose hearts once burned with passion for God and others will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).
- Anxiety. “Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
God knows our fears, conflicts, and anxieties. He wants us to give all of these concerns to Him, but most of all, He wants us to trust Him. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not depend on your own understanding.” We need to trust that He has our best interests in mind, and that He can and will get us through this!
“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26). Use this opportunity to spend time in the Word, letting it really take root in your heart. Ask God what he wants to teach you now and what he has for your future.
Finally, strengthen yourself in the Lord. “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26). He is all you need to get through this crisis and will take you to the other side stronger in Him than ever before!