​Hi everyone!
If you’re like me you’re feeling the need to be closer to God and to be around others who feel the same.  With all the rules of social distancing, being together physically is impossible.  So, I found  some scriptures that can help us all through the fear we’re dealing with and pray together.
While researching this I found so many scriptures that just made me feel good.  Let’s take a look at some of them.  I hope they speak to you about God’s promises and remind you of his presence.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~ Isaiah 41:10
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” ~ Psalm 23:4
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9
 
I find this so comforting.  There is no need to be afraid because God is taking care of us.  These are just a few scriptures but there are so, so many more that say it over and over again.  God is with us.  It’s easy to say ‘’don’t be afraid’’.  It’s not so easily done though.  But, the more we read and lean on scriptures like these the more peace we find.  I find it’s almost impossible to be in God’s presence and not feel comforted or at peace.
But, life happens, and no one is immune to worry or anxiety.  My grandfather was the closest I’ve ever seen to someone who never seemed to be worried about anything.  I always admired that about him.  Nothing seemed to bother him.  Even when my sisters set the bush behind the garage on fire.  I was too young to remember, but apparently he was very calm as he put out the fire.
I believe this next scripture is how he lived his life.
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ~ Matthew 6:34
This is one of my absolute favorite scriptures.  It is not only significant in the situation that the world is in today but also applicable in so many everyday ordinary troubles too.  God gives us the grace we need today to face today. He will give us the grace we need to deal with tomorrow only tomorrow.  Let’s take care of today and let God take care of tomorrow.
 
“Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” ~ Isaiah 35:4
“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” ~ Proverbs 12:25
It would be pretty selfish of us to keep all these good words to ourselves.  We need to share them.  Some people deal with anxiety on a level we can’t always understand.  It consumes their thoughts and influences their every action.  An encouraging word can sometimes make all the difference in the world.  Remind them that God is here and wants us to come to him with our fears. 
I believe another point that Proverbs 12:25 is saying is about the choices we make about how we deal with anxiety.  We can go around talking to others and ourselves about our fears bringing them down with us or, we can go around praising God and helping to cheer people and ourselves up.  It’s a choice.
 
Even though we’re not together we can still pray together.
 
Dear God,
Normally our prayers focus on certain people or a group of people who are going through a specific difficulty.  Right now, though, we are praying for the whole world.  The whole world is going through the same crisis.  Please help us get through this.  Please show us how to stay close to you and feel your presence.  Show us how we can be a blessing to all and anyone who needs us.
 
God Bless Everyone
Amen