In a short while, we’ll be examining some Bible verses that can help remove anxiety.

It’s been five months into a pandemic that has — in basically every way possible — reshaped our way of life.

Nothing is as it was at the beginning of the new year, and with each passing month, it’s easy to become increasingly doubting about the return of what we all once knew to be “normal.”

The rock upon which the church will be built

More than ever before, we need to remember the church. Even when it doesn’t look as it should. There’s a reason Jesus called confession and redemption from Him as the “rock” upon which He would build the church (Matthew 16:18).

The body of Christ — the fellowship of the saints — is a mainstay fortress firmly located amid shifting sands and unstable winds. In it, we can find rest and calm no matter how tumultuous the storm.

A strong refuge when trouble comes

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the economic downturn, the increasing cultural divides plaguing our country, and the multitude of personal crises we face every day, believers in Jesus can discover comfort in God’s promise to take care of His followers.

He is “a strong refuge when trouble comes” and is “close to those who trust in Him” (Nahum 1:7).

Here are some Bible verses to remember during these confusing days:

Acknowledging God Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

No matter the trial you’re passing through, there is reason to hope, because God is there with you. He promises to never abandon you to walk this life alone; all we need to do is call out for Him.

Do not worry Matthew 6:34

“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

In the Bible verses above, we’re reminded God takes care of the needs of the birds of the air and clothes the fields that are here today and gone tomorrow (Matthew 6:26-30).

Even if the solutions that meet our problems don’t look as we think they should, the Lord asks us to simply focus on the present. We should take the steps in front of us, trusting He will ensure that our needs are ultimately met.

Dwell on the good Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

It’s not difficult to be discouraged. In fact, it seems to be our de facto mode of operation at this point in time. Our social media feeds, news broadcasts, and email inboxes are cluttered with things that disappoint us. It contains things that give us concerns, and remind us time and again that our collective sense of normalcy has been completely shifted from under us. However, we shouldn’t store up treasures in this life because it’s temporary.

Look at the things that are unseen

The apostle Paul told us to look not at the world we see, “but to the things that are unseen.” This reality is “transient,” he said, “but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

Even in this transient home, we are called to live out God’s principles, to celebrate what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise.

It’s been five months into the coronavirus pandemic that has redefined our daily existence. It won’t last forever, but it is for now, and it is difficult.

As believers, we should find consolation in the fact that we live on the Rock. Our home is established on a firm foundation that cannot be moved.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” – Matthew 7:24