I had a different blog prepared for this week but our Father wants to share His heart with us today. If you read the article by the Washington Post this week stating “74 percent of the new cases of the Delta Variant were of people who had been vaccinated for the COVID-19.” It continued by saying, “Even though they were vaccinated, there were no deaths reported only symptoms of headaches, sore throats, and coughs.” With this in mind, I just want to encourage us to stay safe. Be wise to care for ourselves and those around us. Take every precaution to help us in fighting these awful diseases that have entered our world. Also we must keep our focus on Christ rather than all the other voices we hear.

 

 Fear Is Our Enemy Never Our Friend

 

I want us to remember, amid the darkness surrounding us, fear wants to be our friend. Fear wants to speak to us, direct us, lead us, and comfort us. Fear’s voice, if we listen to it, will overwhelm us and drown out the sweet voices of reason and wisdom. If we listen too long to fear, it will turn our eyes away from faith in our Lord Jesus and leave us stranded on the island of Hopelessness and Despair. Fear is our enemy and NEVER our friend; we must turn away! When we feel anxious, worried, overwhelmed, stressed, or uneasy, we must turn our focus back on the Lord within us, the King and Ruler over ALL, then, give all of our fears to Him who is the Master and Conqueror of every fear.

 

Scriptures to Comfort Us

 

Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you.”

 

 

Psalm 18:35 – You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds and sustains me; Your gentleness [Your gracious response when I pray] make me great.

 

 

Psalm 4:8 – In peace, I will lie down and sleep for You alone, Lord make me dwell in safety.

 

 

This world is filled with fear but we are not of this world. When we set our eyes on what is eternal and real, the Kingdom of God within us, we will realize this too shall pass.

 

Practical Things We Can Do

 

• Wear a mask to protect ourselves and others from catching the virus
• Wash our hands and use sanitizer
• Keep our distance as much as possible
• Fear less and trust in our Lord more
• Pray for those sick around the world
• Pray for our healthcare workers and those on the front lines trying to end this ongoing battle
• Pray for those in authority that our Father would direct them in what is best for His people and less about politics in this turmultuous hour.

 

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Peace to You from God our Father and Our Lord Jesus Christ!