God walks with you now!
God’s people throughout history have lived through scary times. They have survived plague, upheaval and even disaster. Now, we face so much uncertainty with the coronavirus pandemic! Yet, God promises to walk with you through it all! No matter what is happening in the world, God reaches out those big and powerful and divine arms to embrace you now.
As followers of God’s son Jesus, we continue to love and support each other at PEACE Lutheran Church. Jesus promised God’s Holy Spirit continues to fuel us, feed us and unite us. We continue to live our lives as instruments of God’s plan of love for all people. Including now!
Even at home, you can continue to nourish your spirit and strengthen your faith. Here are some tips and resources.
1: Know that God walks with you now, even in scary times!
Take a deep breath and know that you are a beloved child of God. You are NOT alone!
2: Stay safe.
PEACE Lutheran Church will remain closed for Sunday worship services, other spiritual activities, and for all community events scheduled at our facility until further notice.
Please follow these guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control for hygiene practices to avoid contracting the coronavirus.
3: Pray, pray, pray.
St. Paul advised us to “pray without ceasing.” God listens to everything we have to say. Or even think. Even if our prayer goes like this: “Dear God, please help me get through the next 5 minutes.” And, God loves a pest.
So, it’s OK to dump out all your worries and your deepest, craziest fears, even your darkest doubts. God is big enough to handle it!
4: Stay connected with others.
Resolve to make at least one telephone call every day while you stay at home. Or, send an email or a text. Use that connection to offer cheer and encouragement. And, share your fears — then, give them to Jesus in prayer. Jesus promises to help us carry every burden!
Loneliness can afflict us during this time of sheltering-at-home. Read about God’s people facing loneliness and fear to inspire your own response.
5: Nourish your spiritual self.
Self-care includes nurturing your spirit. A daily spiritual practice makes your faith stronger! Like muscles, your conscious connection to God grows stronger with frequent work! Especially, this will help you get through these scary times.
Daily Bible readings. Theologians from many churches put together this chart of daily readings from the Old Testament, New Testament and Psalms. It takes you through the entire church year with readings that fit each season. Kind of like a pilgrim journey through the Bible. Imagine the power of reading the same devotions that thousands of other people read on the same day! Daily Bible Readings 2019-20
Bread for the Day follows that same Bible reading program, but in book form. It includes prayers inspired by each day’s readings, and a place to write your prayer concerns each month. This beautiful book also offers prayers for special days and observations.
Prayer for Renewal. This 40-day prayer program offers readings and prayer suggestions that lead the pilgrim to spiritual renewal. What a great way to observe the church season of Lent, a time focused on self-reflection and turning-back to God.
Bible Gateway offers study programs and daily Bible verses. Plus, you can find many translations and versions of the Bible.
Bible verses for scary times
Over the millennia, God’s people have written many things that inspire us to faithfully face scary times. Here are a few:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. – Psalm 46:1-3
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. – Psalm 23
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. – Colossians 3:13-14
Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. … Do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope, Lord, is in You. – Psalm 25:16-21
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:4
The Book of Job – This ancient text takes up the question: Why do bad things happen to good people?
Need pastoral care?
If you need to speak to Pastor, PLEASE send an email to office@peacelutherangv.org or call the church office at (530) 273-9631.
You are NOT alone!
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