Does it feel like your world is spinning out of control and you are powerless to stop it? Life as we know it has turned upside down. Major events have been canceled, establishments shut down, schools closed, and grocery store shelves are empty. Fear and panic reign supreme.
Do you find yourself wondering what to do with the rapid changes happening all around you?
Life can begin to feel overwhelming when we aren’t sure what to do next. I tend to retreat inward when life gets crazy. I become lazy and unproductive. How do you react to stress?
As a dreamer and a visionary, I have had to learn to center myself in the present, especially in times of chaos. I can’t worry about how I will pay tomorrow’s bills or whether I will find the groceries I need next week. I can’t fret about how long this pandemic will last or if my family will catch it. All I can do is focus on the present.
T-O-D-A-Y
Refuse to worry about tomorrow, but deal with each challenge that comes your way, one day at a time. Tomorrow will take care of itself.” – Matthew 6:34 TPT
We are somewhere we’ve never been before, and will never be again.
The same would be true even if we weren’t facing a world crisis. Too often we get so lost in remembering/regretting the past or dreaming/fretting about the future that we miss out on the beauty of the present.
Here are a few things I do in order to not just survive each day, but to truly thrive:
1. Spend a few minutes with God each morning.
Pray. Read the Bible. Praise God for His abundant blessings in your life.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33 NLT
2. Lavish love on my kids and husband.
Do what you can to meet their needs for the day, while letting them know how deeply loved and cherished they are.
“So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends. – John 15:12-13
3. Read together.
There is something so comforting about cuddling together and reading books. These are moments to cherish for a lifetime.
4. Get fresh air.
Even if you’ve been ordered to shelter in place, you can step outside or at least open your window. A few minutes of fresh air and sunshine is extremely therapeutic.
5. Play together.
Do something fun as a family, whether it’s a board game, baking, coloring, working on a project around the house, or something else you can do together. Joke. Be silly. Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Then Ezra said to them, “Go [your way], eat the rich festival food, drink the sweet drink, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be worried, for the joy of the Lord is your strength and your stronghold.” – Nehemiah 8:10 AMP
6. Pray together.
God has the answers you’re searching for, and He is the answer to everything. Lean into Him.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7 NLT
7. Do what you know you need to do.
Is the laundry overflowing? Dishes piling up? Schoolwork needing finished? Spend some time each day doing those things that are right in front of you. It may not feel like much at times, but trust me, there is something powerful about stewarding everything God has given you. So, even in times of uncertainty, you can honor God by doing taking care of those things He has entrusted you with today.
So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes. – Ephesians 5:15-16 TPT
I understand how easy it is to fall prey to fear in the face of the unknown. Let’s hold onto God’s promise for peace and remember our lives are in His hands, not the world’s.
Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours]. – Philippians 4:6-7 AMP
My prayer for you today:
For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; – Colossians 1:9-10 AMP
Blessings,
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