The global pandemic is wreaking havoc with immediate challenges, far-reaching consequences, and life-and-death circumstances. President Trump warns that “we are fighting an invisible enemy.” While we indeed fight, we can draw closer to our Deliverer. Only he can whisper his peace to our hearts. Only he can be our firm rock to stand on amidst the shifting sands of our circumstances. In addition, God can help us recognize and multiply what is redeeming for us even now. In response to all that God offers, here are seven strength-giving affirmations to live by amidst the COVID–19 crisis:
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It’s no mistake that Jesus says to not be afraid more than anything else in all of Scripture. Jesus invites us to trust in our ever-loving and always-watchful God rather than worry. He teaches us in Matthew 6:26-27, “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?” We can redirect our worry and fear and replace it with trust in the promises of Scripture.
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Psalm 118:24 (NKJV) encourages, “This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” More time at home because of COVID–19 provides us with new opportunities to connect with loved ones and catch up on projects. What about choosing one thing a day that you can do that might not otherwise happen? Possibilities include long walks outside, book reading, home-cooked meals, and benefitting from important conversations. I pray these opportunities will buoy our spirits when we look back upon this difficult time.
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Though we cannot control the events spiraling around us, we can control our actions. While we take the necessary precautions, we can also direct where our minds dwell, for this impacts our spirits. Our spiritual bodies run best when our intake is of the highest quality. Philippians 4:8 instructs, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Listen to inspiring music, spend quiet time in the sunshine in prayer, or watch uplifting programming that can edify your soul. For instance, you can watch my interview with the author of the Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones—she even mentions how to have a faith-filled response to the coronavirus!
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When we seek to magnify what’s praiseworthy in our lives, we will inevitably uncover things to be thankful for. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from God (James 1:17). Giving God thanks isn’t simply a natural response to his goodness, it’s one of our most important Christian responsibilities. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reads, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” Giving thanks allows us to keep the blessings that we have at the forefront of our minds. This practice is especially grounding in difficult circumstances.
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My family has had some of “those” moments already—moments when we have acted less than our best, resulting in hurt. While there are no doubt silver linings to this time, there are also challenges. We are acclimating to a new normal in a confined environment. As I remember Jesus’ words, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), I can try to sow a peaceful seed when I might otherwise be offended. As I attempt to show more grace towards others, I can also give it to myself. Jesus knows my brokenness and loves me anyway. I can breathe in his grace, exhale the times when I fall short, and keep trying my best. Being Christian doesn’t require that we’re perfect—it means modeling real community, accountability, and forgiveness.
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While it can be tempting to fixate upon what’s beyond our control right now, it’s empowering to explore our agency. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Amidst overwhelming need, we can look for creative ways to give. My family and I recently gave to ER medics in New York City so that they might have supplies through GoFundMe and to our local FLAG chapter. Amidst increasing isolation as we’re social distancing, we can phone a friend or loved one and offer support. Amidst heavy hearts, we can spread cheer. For instance, children have been making rainbows, displaying teddy bears, or even designing Easter eggs for the front windows of their residences. They’re spreading hope, encouraging fun, and supporting community through these simple hunts! For more ideas to help, see point #4 in this article.
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Photo Credit: Noelle Kirchner / Pictures drawn by Noelle's older boys for their front window
Prayer opens the door to divine intervention. We join hands with each other as the body of Christ when we pray. Jesus reminds us of the power of prayer when we come together (Matthew 18:19) and use his name (John 14:13). It gives us a vehicle to enlist God’s protection for those who are working on the frontlines, petition for God’s peace for those who are mourning or sick, acknowledge the current suffering and economic hardship, and unleash the full measure of God’s redemptive work through our collective voice. Here is one prayer.
Repeatedly, the psalmist attests to our Deliverer. God has the power to rescue us when we feel like we are drowning in circumstances over our head (Psalm 18:16). He can bring us to a spacious place where we experience his delight (Psalm 18:19). By living these affirmations, God can equip us to overcome.
Rev. Noelle Kirchner, MDiv., believes we don’t have to live with full schedules and thin souls. A busy mom of three boys, she is passionate about making faith fresh and relevant. Noelle is a graduate of Princeton Seminary and an ordained Presbyterian minister who has served in churches for over ten years. She has written for places like the TODAY Show Parenting Team, Huff Post Parents, The Laundry Moms, and (in)courage. Her faith and family cable television show, Chaos to Calm, features parenting hot topics and has hosted three New York Times bestselling authors. Watch her episodes or sermons, connect with her on social media, and follow her blog by visiting her website, or receive her free devotional e-book.
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