“Dear God,
Speak gently in my silence.
When the loud outer noises of my surroundings
and the loud inner noises of my fears
keep pulling me away from you,
help me to trust that you are still there
even when I am unable to hear you.
Give me ears to listen to your small, soft voice saying:
‘Come to me, you who are overburdened,
and I will give you rest…
for I am gentle and humble of heart.’
Let that loving voice be my guide.
Amen.” (Henri Nouwen)

I believe that God never meant for His children to live in fear or to lead others through fear. He wants us to be wise and cautious, but not afraid. The key to overcoming anxiety is trust– no matter what my fears and my feelings are telling me right now, I hold fast to faith in a Good Father whose word is forever firm and secure.

Pandemics pass but the Prince of Peace remains. COVID-19 will not have the last word. Trust in the perfect peace and love that will cast out fear.