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While I was out on a run recently (and three weeks in to being home 24/7), I noticed all of the ducks and geese in the ponds going about, what seemed to be, their normal lives. The view reminded me of this verse from Matthew.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)

With the ever-changing climate of our nation and so much going on around the world as a result of the Pandemic, it can be easy to feel anxious and fearful. As widows, we know what it’s like for our world to be turned upside down, to find ourselves in a place of extreme change. When my husband died by suicide in January 2015, I felt like a rug was pulled out from underneath me.

The uncertainty of it all, no matter the circumstance, can bring overwhelming feelings of worry and fear. But God calls us to lean into Him and trust Him, wholeheartedly. The Lord tells us 365 times throughout the Bible: “Do not be afraid” and to “fear not.” However, during these times, worry can envelop us. When we find ourselves deep in despair and drenched with anxiety, let us turn to the one who bears all of our burdens. Let us turn to our Father’s promises.

Do not be afraid.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Do not be anxious.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6

Do not fear.

“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you.”
Isaiah 41:3 (NIV)

The Lord is with you.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)

Put your hope in the Lord.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 43:5 (NIV)

Remember, sisters, what may seem never ending or hopeless, the Lord can transform. I know, firsthand. The Lord took my extreme sorrow and hopelessness and turned it into hope and joy. He wants to do that for you, too. Trust Him.

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.”
Psalms 68:19

Lord, though we do not know what the future holds, we know you are in control. Give us courage and help us to trust in you, no matter the circumstances. Thank you for taking on our burdens and never leaving our side. Amen.