A note of encouragement in the midst of this chaotic world

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.”
Philippians 4:6-9 MSG

Luke (our youngest, 2) didn’t sleep well the other night. We were up from around 1:30AM until 6AM when I finally just took him back to bed with me and got a few hours of sleep before it was time to be a mama again. 

During our hours awake, while Luke was watching Paw Patrol, I was mindlessly scrolling Facebook after I finished a blog post about the list of 102 things to do instead of worksheets freebie I shared this past week. 

It really got to me. 

Post after post was nothing but “Coronavirus this” and “Coronavirus that” and “what to do in quarantine” and blah blah blah. 

So, I went through my “Liked” Facebook pages and unliked every negative, non-encouraging, Facebook page I’ve ever liked – Including every news resource!

The main theme I kept seeing was F E A R – F E A R – and more F E A R .

Without getting too deep into theories and opinions, because I know you are here for homeschooling resources… at the end of 2019, I began researching more about chemicals and living a clean lifestyle. 

During that time, I began to notice trends in how information is shared – whether by the media or healthcare professionals. 
The trend was that of fear. 

Think about it… when someone wants you to react a certain way, they make you believe you have something to fear in order to get you to say yes. 

“You have six months to live, but if you spend
thousands on ‘this‘ medicine you MIGHT live longer.”

Well. Maybe so. 
I DO believe God has absolutely helped scientists create remedies and cures for things, but the day you are meant to leave this world is already planned. Whether you spend thousands or not. 

I can’t say I would or would not react in a certain way if I were ever personally faced with this situation. But, I did give my dad (who was told this exact thing over two years ago) the same opinion. Some medical treatments are necessary and GOOD – and some just prey on the sick to see how much money they can get out of it.

But one thing is for sure… Just like doctors can’t keep you alive for any certain time, the media’s tactics can’t keep you from getting Coronavirus or the Flu or anything else. 

What they CAN do is use fear as a means to get you to react a certain way. Like staying home for weeks at a time, pulling your money from investments you’ve made, spending money on Pharmaceuticals in HOPES of a chance to survive this epidemic, etc. 

But friend, if I can be so bold to share… You have NOTHING to fear. 

That passage at the top, Philippians 4:6-9, is one I often remember in times like these. When fear is at an all-time high in my life.  

And I’m a pretty paranoid person, mind you.
Fear literally cripples me on most days. 

But I’ve found peace in the midst of this Coronavirus thing. 

Perhaps it’s because I can see through the fear tactics from the media or the potential money that can be made from this “outbreak”. 

Or perhaps it’s because I’m choosing to trust God’s plan and cling to the truth that is Philippians 4:6-9.

Whatever the reason, I’m grateful. So I wanted to encourage you today with that verse and give you a couple of tips on how to add some peace into your home as well:

1. Find a Bible verse or passage that inspires you. Print it off or write it down (or simply download the free printable I created of Philippians 4:6-9 here – no email required).
   
   Hang up that verse everywhere, or at least in an area you can remind yourself of it throughout the day (like on the fridge!)
   
   
2. Fill your home with some hope-filled music. Whether that’s on a Christian radio station, from your favorite CD, or a playlist you love.
   
   Invite God to be in your space through music and watch the atmosphere in your home start to shift to good. 
   
   Sidenote: I am LOVING this song right now -> Another in the Fire
   
   
   
3. Pray. Pray for those who are making decisions in our country and the world. Pray for those who don’t have a hope to believe in. Pray for those who need to work to survive. Pray for those who are hungry and sick and quarantined.
   
   Most importantly, pray for yourself.
   Turn your worries into prayers.

I can’t promise when this will be over or that it will be an easy few weeks for your family. I still find myself worrying instead of praying sometimes. But the peace you’ll allow to enter your heart every time you choose to pray will be just enough to carry you through the day. 

Count the JOY from every battle,
because you know that’s where He’ll be.  

– Hillsong Worship

Praying for you, friend. If you need to chat or have a specific request, prayer, or question, don’t hesitate to comment or email me: info@shelayount.com

We’re in this together!
Love, Shela