LIVING IN STRESSFUL TIMES

We are eight months into 2020 and for most of these months, we have experienced the effects of Covid-19. For me, two verses from the song, “Thank You” by Walter Hawkins voice how I am feeling. These verses are:

Tragedies are commonplace

All kinds of diseases, people are slipping away

Economies down, people can’t get enough pay

But as for me, all I can say is

Thank you, Lord, for all You’ve done for me, yeah

Folks without homes, living out in the streets

And the drug habits some say, they just can’t beat

Muggers and robbers, no place seems to be safe

But You’ll be my protection every step of the way

And I want to say

Thank you, Lord, for all You’ve done for me, yeah.

Don’t these verses describe what is happening in our world. We are living in a time of uncertainty with death, sickness, financial insecurity, chaos, and lawlessness taking over our cities and nation. I am finding that this season is causing me to sing hymns and other comforting songs that remind me that my hope is in God and He is in control. Also, I am thankful for peace and clarity of mind as I hear the reports of those that committed suicide because they no longer could handle the stresses they were experiencing.

When my mind wants to pause and rehearse painful thoughts, I put in practice Philippians 4:7- 8 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” because I know it does not matter how long we have to endure this pandemic if I apply the Word to my life daily, I will be victorious while living in stressful times.