While perusing old photos, I came across this one, taken when our middle granddaughter was a toddler.
E. loved to be buried under those pillows, then explode out of them like a jack-in-the-box. She’d stand tall with arms stretched toward the ceiling, and look up at me with triumph—all while giggling with delight.
It occurred to me: what if all those pillows represented our fears about the coronavirus? Our worries for family and friends? Our anxiety about losing income? Our uncertainty of how long self-isolation might continue? Our apprehensions about the economy and the added debt we’re accruing?
Altogether these concerns may appear to be a heavy, insurmountable burden. But just like E. under her pillows, we can cast off our anxiety, stand tall, and look up in triumph.
How?
We can cast off worry with prayer and gratitude.
When the realization dawns that we’re buried in worry, our best tactic is to follow Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:6-7. You’re probably familiar with these verses already. Now might be a good time for us to post them around the house–even memorize them:
Did you notice the word thanksgiving sandwiched in the middle there? Now why would God consider that important?
Because gratitude expresses trust in him. It’s an affirmation that God is always at work, bringing hope out of despair, joy out of sadness, and peace out of turmoil (1).
It’s not that gratitude takes away our difficulties, but it does transform us for the better in the midst of them (2).
We can stand tall in Christ’s strength.
Let’s admit it. We’re weak. But the omnipotent One of the universe is our Heavenly Father. And what has he promised? First, he never assigns an overload, and second, his strength equips us for all circumstances (3).
With such firm promises as those to bolster our confidence, we do possess the wherewithal to stand tall.
We can look up in faith.
Way up–to Jesus. And where does he sit? In the highest place, at the right hand of God (4).
He is:
- Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25)
- Head over every power and authority (Colossians 2:10)
- Ruler over all (Colossians 1:17)
Our circumstances can change overnight. One day we’re free to come and go as we please; the next day we’re self-isolating except to pick up necessities or handle emergencies.
But Jesus is our never-changing Hope. If we habitually make him our focal point, we’ll never walk in the darkness of ignorance and fear (5).
“Worry looks around but faith looks up.”
—Barbara Johnson (6)
Years ago, I heard Dr. Howard Hendricks (7) tell about this exchange:
He asked one of his students how he was doing, and the young man replied, “Well, under the circumstances, I suppose I’m doing alright.”
Dr. Hendrick’s response must have caught the student off-guard.
“Under the circumstances? What are you doing under there?”
Those words have stayed with me through the decades, reminding me that under the circumstances—buried beneath fear and apprehension—is not where I belong, as a believer in Jesus, and it’s not where I want to live either. I’m guessing you feel the same.
Let’s determine to put our energy into casting off our burdens with prayer and gratitude, standing tall in Christ’s strength, and looking up consistently with faith.
And then let’s add a flourish of joy—just like E. with her squeals and giggles as the pillows tumbled.
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, O God, for the joy of your comforting presence, your residing power enabling us to persevere, your hope-filled promises, and the joy that results from contemplating your magnificence. Thank you for providing the way to triumph through our Savior and your Son, Jesus. AMEN.
(Psalm 16:11; James 1:2-3; Psalm 119:162;
Psalm 92:4; Psalm 126:3, 1 Corinthians 15:57)
Notes:
- John 15:7; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 126:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:16
- David Vryhof, https://www.ssje.org/monasticwisdom/gratitude/
- Psalm 55:22; 1 John 5:5; Philippians 4:13
- Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3
- Hebrews 12:2; John 8:12
- Joyful Journey Daybreak, Perpetual Calendar, May 20
- Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, author and speaker (1924-2013)
Art & photo credits: Nancy Ruegg; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.uihere.com.
From the Inside Out 
Dear Nancy, this post (and your blog in general) is such a reprieve. My entire family lives Germany. My mom and my nice were/are suppose to come to my oldest for his wedding in July. I talked with her today. We just don’t know. It’s easy to let all those “pillows” weigh so heavy on us. THANK YOU again for helping us adjust the scales … knowing that God carries it all. (LOVE what Dr. Hendrix said … now it will stick with me, too!)
Praise God you find reprieve when you visit here, Heidi! That warms my heart. I do pray we are on the other side of this virus by July! But I can only imagine how the uncertainty weighs heavy on your mind. May peace like a river attend your way between now and then, dear friend!
What an encouraging post Nancy!! I love the picture of your sweet granddaughter busting out of the pillows and encouraging us to do so!! I especially love the closing prayer!! So powerful!! Thanks for continuing to mentor me through you blog!!❤️ I intend to look each of those scriptures up in my quiet time!!
Praise God you found encouragement here, Lisa, especially considering the unsettling circumstances you face. Praying FREQUENTLY for God’s protective shield around you!
Amazing I wrote next week’s blog post earlier today and focused also on gratitude. Just read another post where gratitude was mentioned too. Maybe we have a heightened awareness of this attribute in this age?
There IS power in gratitude–impacting us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Perhaps the Holy Spirit is stirring up heightened awareness to help us combat the fear and worry, as well as loneliness, bitterness, self-pity, and other attitudes that destroy our joy. Thankfulness does much to restore a healthy perspective in our lives!
Much needed words, Nancy. Thank you!
Your granddaughter is an absolute delight. I will remember her bursting out from under the cushions whenever I need to stand tall. 😁🙌
Exactly what we need to focus on now and always. Thanks for sharing 😊🕊🐑🌼🕯🐤
Thank you, Ink Well–so glad you found concepts here worth focusing on. Praise God for his inspiration!
Amen
Well said, Nancy. Trust on god is and courage is all you need. We need to face the fears and wait for the beautiful days to come. Everything is going to be fine very soon. This too shall pass. Hugs! ❤
THAT’s the right attitude, Nanchi! God WILL get us through this. Even in the wait time, as we’re sequestered in our homes, God is accomplishing good for his purpose (Romans 8:28). And yes, beautiful days are coming! I imagine when this is all over, we’ll appreciate GREATLY the many blessings we took for granted just a couple of weeks ago. I also think our relationships with one another–even strangers–will be enhanced by this experience of social isolation. And if people seriously consider their eternal destiny should they succumb to the virus, and turn to Jesus during this time, how wonderful would that be!
Nancy, your granddaughter bursting out from underneath those cushions with joy and delight. She conquered that which opposed her with thanksgiving and joy. I am sure she had faith and ended in great peace.. A great illustration of Philippians 4:6-7. Appreciate you sharing in this post. Glory to God!
Thank you, Hazel. Yes, glory to God for each post he inspires and helps us to write!
You are welcome, Nancy!
Just as I was feeling a bit down and “under” I logged into your blog and found great comfort in your words that ‘Jesus is our never-changing hope’, and that He is holding all things together. There is nothing in this world and in my heart and mind that He is not aware of (fears included). I am reminded of Romans 8:37-39 where He promises that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. I believe that the Lord always leads me to your blog when I need it most. Blessings to you and Steve.
So glad you found HOPE here, Cheri, just when you needed it most. I love how God does that–prepares ahead for what we’ll need in the future!
Keep shining the light, dear friend!
Thank you, Mitch!
So encouraging Nancy! I love how you point out that thanksgiving is sandwiched in the middle of a verse on worry and anxiety. Thanksgiving really does help us to lift our eye to the Lord. A good thing to remember in troubled times. We have much for which to be grateful!
Praise God you found encouragement here, Sheila. Praying that you and your husband come through this crisis unscathed!
Thanks, Nancy. Very well said. I loved your illustration. I agree.
Thank you, Sue. Your encouragement means much!
Nancy, you are welcome.
Nancy, I can’t imagine a more inspirational and encouraging message than the one you posted here. It is so comforting and so forward looking; and, at the same time brought smiles as I think back on our days at PW when we wrote acrostics because we were too busy to write stories. Love seeing the picture of your granddaughter, and being reminded of my old friend, Howie Hendricks. Thank you so much for the warm memories you evoked with this blog. Hope you and Steve stay well and safe.
I was hoping you’d see this post and the reference to Dr. Hendricks! Thank you, Ruth, for your affirmations. Praise God for the way He plants ideas in my head–then helps me flesh them out! / Steve and I are doing well and keeping safe. I pray the same for you, dear friend!
Hi Nancy,
Have a great weekend. Yes, one day at a time. The weight and purpose of these times are not ours to carry, to the Lord they weigh nothing, but mean something important.
In Christ,
Gary
Oh, yes–these events MEAN something. Perhaps God allowed this situation so people would reach out for him and find him (Acts 17:27a). Praise God the rest of that verse is true also: “He is not far from any one of us!” Thank you, Gary!
Yes, stay well and your family as well. The Lord give you many more years to share your blogs.
Thank you, Gary, for your kind affirmation!
Any time.