Hey friends, it has been a crazy past few weeks. Who knew this is where 2020 was headed? I have been thinking this past week about what to do with my blog, since I have a lot of things I want to share with y’all but I want to be sensitive to the times we are in. As I was considering what to do, I was inspired by a group chat with the women from my church.

Throughout the week, we have been encouraging each other through prayer, scripture, and fellowship. I feel so blessed to have a community like this that cares for each other even from a distance. So before I get back into my regularly scheduled content (because I think normalcy is also helpful in the chaotic world we are in right now), I wanted to share some encouragement with you. I asked my church ladies to share a scripture that has been particularly helpful for them this week and what it has taught them. I hope these scriptures bless you as much as they did me.

Psalm 91:1-2
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
– Marie

1 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ
I was thinking about fear and how as human beings, I think there would be something wrong with us if we did not have a healthy fear right now. However, as children of the Most High God we are called to cast down vain imaginations. I believe they are the thoughts that we allow to enter our mind, such as: What happens to my children if I die? What if my parents get sick and I can’t get to them? Those are just two of a million thoughts that could come in and take our minds captive.
– Jeanne

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
God always listens, but when we trust him He shows off.
– Maria

Jeremiah 15:16
Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.
We have a huge opportunity to commit to write the unchanging Word of God on our hearts. Let’s stand in solidarity that we can trust Him in an uncertain world and be certain He will still fight our battles.
– Megan

Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
How important is the gift of sharing, while it not be choice food and sweet drinks, it may be toilet paper and water, but sharing gives us joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength; if we allow our joy to disappear, then our strength is gone.
– Kathy

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
God does not give to us as the world does – expecting something in return. He gives his peace freely, enabling us to have a calm and steady heart no matter what our circumstances are. But this verse reminds me that I have to choose to not let myself be troubled and afraid. I need to replace this with trust in God, who is sovereign over all.
– Me

I hope these verses encourage you as they did for me, reminding me to surrender to God and trust in Him rather than the media, my feelings, or the anxiety surrounding our world. If you don’t know Jesus, you can experience this peace, too. I would love to talk with you about it, or you can find out more here.

I hope you all stay healthy and safe during this time! For Friday Favorites this week I’ll be sharing about my recent trip to DisneyWorld, but if you’re struggling with cancelled or changed trips and you don’t feel like reading it, I understand 🙂 Have a great week!