How I Personally Manage During Difficult Times

I wish that I could say that I never thought that I would be writing this blog while being isolated at home with my family, but I can honestly say that this situation is not a surprise.  The reason why I am not surprised is because of what I have read in my Bible for my entire life.  In the book of Matthew chapter 24 verse 7, Jesus says, "For nation will rise against nations, and kingdom against kingdom.  And there will be famines, pestilences and earthquakes in various places."  I think what surprises me is how fast this pandemic has taken hold of the entire world.  At Christmas time the word "Coronavirus" was not even in our vocabulary and now only 3 months later it has deeply and personally affected almost everyone in the entire world

I also wish I could say that I am doing just fine and all my days are wonderful with no stress, worries or concerns.  That is absolutely not true.  Like everyone, I struggle.  I miss being free to move about. I miss being able to run to the store without feeling like I am in a battle zone.  I miss going to church.  Most of all I miss seeing and hugging my friends and family.  I am not a hugging type of person, but right now I wish I could give everyone the biggest hug ever!!!! 

So what do we do with our stress, our worry, our concerns.  We take it all and give it to Jesus.  So what does that mean exactly?  What does it mean to give it all to Jesus?  For me it means that I have to read my Bible  A LOT and PRAY CONSTANTLY!  It also means that I have to PRAISE GOD almost constantly in order to drive out my stress, worries and concerns.  If I let down my guard even a little bit my feelings of stress, worry and concern begin to creep in and would soon escalate.  I need to make a deliberate effort to keep my thoughts and life focused on the truth of the Bible and the truth of who God is.

This crazy pandemic is raging across the globe but GOD STILL REIGNS AND GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!  Jesus wrote the words in Matthew 24: 7 so that we would be aware and prepared during these world events.  He also wrote them to comfort us.  In Matthew 24:6 Jesus tells us that "you will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed".  Did you get that?  Jesus tells us not to be alarmed! I need to read that over and over again to keep me grounded in who really reigns, who really is in control and who it is that I can really trust.  

These are not easy times.  The days are hard but one thing I know is that when I PRAISE GOD the worry, stress and concerns drift away.  It is impossible to Praise God and to worry at the same time.  It is impossible to PRAISE GOD and be stressed.  It is impossible to PRAISE GOD and at the same time be concerned about what the future holds.  

So I encourage you, no it is stronger than that, I strongly advise you to PRAISE GOD!  Don't let your worries, stress and concerns overwhelm you.  Give them to Jesus.  Pray!  Blast the praise music!  Make a point to notice the blessings in each day and thank God for them!  In order to pray and praise you need to turn off the tv and put down your cell phones.  Believe me, I personally know hard that is,  but it is so worth it! 

There is no better way to close this blog than with a Psalm of Praise to our Lord and Savior.
PSALM 149:3-5 "LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME IN THE DANCE! LET THEM SING PRAISES TO HIM WITH TAMBOURINE AND HARP! FOR THE LORD TAKES PLEASURE IN HIS PEOPLE.  HE CROWNS THE HUMBLE WITH SALVATION.  LET THE HOLY ONES REJOICE IN HONOR. LET THEM SING FOR JOY ON THEIR BEDS. "

Every night I fall asleep on my bed praising God, thanking God for the blessings of each day and praying for as many people as I can before I fall asleep.  I  pray that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, will bless you all as you seek Him and as you walk closer to Him each day.  

With Praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
Anita Rennells
Soaring Wings Ministries
Wellington, Colorado