Do Not Worry

Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own".

So, it's almost 2 Months since the first case of Covid 19 was reported in Kenya and I must admit that it has been difficult adjusting to the new way of life - Social Distancing, Limited Movement - Staying Home, Wearing Face Masks & a Ban on Social Gatherings which has by far had the most impact - a life with no family/friend get togethers, no church services, no parties et al. The first few weeks after that first announcement were not so bad. I was very optimistic that things will not be as bad and we shall be back to normal soon enough. I was like that Duracell bunny, I just kept going. My energy levels were literally through the roof and I constantly kept encouraging myself and anyone who cared to listen. I was confidently telling everyone to relax and stop worrying cause for sure God has got this thing figured out. Covid 19 definitely did not catch Him by surprise so no need to worry. 

Well, weeks turned into a couple of months and things seem to be getting thicker by the day. The number of infections keeps going up, the effects on the economy of the different measures taken to contain the Virus' spread are now being felt more - job losses, pay cuts, unpaid leaves & the situation just doesn't seem to be letting up. Needless to say, I found myself caught up in - wait for it - WORRY. At some point on my way home I was so overwhelmed that I sat down on a ka-stone that's usually at our stage where we queue to get mats & I just shed tears. As I sat there waiting my turn to get into the mat, I was consumed with so much anxiety which was further fueled by the look of resignation to fate on so many faces & the hushed talk of doom. I just couldn't keep it together & I let the tears flow freely. The anxiety of not knowing what next and the uncertainty that Covid 19 has brought finally caught up with me and my countenance dipped.  

Caught up in my own world & sob moment, I heard a gentle Calming Voice whisper "Look up child". I quickly snapped back to reality and wiped the tiny droplets of tears on my cheeks feeling a tad bit embarrassed that someone had seen me cry. Everyone was however going about their business and I managed a tiny smile knowing fully well that the Holy Spirit had seen this downcast girl and had come to her aid. I looked up and there in the clear blue sky on a sunny afternoon were beautiful chirpy birds flapping around with no care in the world. I figured they didn't get the memo that Covid 19 has stopped reggae and were happily going about their lives carefree. Staring at those birds, I thought of Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable that they?" By this time, the queue had moved and it was my turn to get into the mat. As I got in and took my seat, I couldn't help but wonder why I had been so worried and allowed a situation that I can do nothing about drown my joy. 

I had a Peter moment - Matthew 14:28-30 "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" For a moment, I did take my eyes of God's sovereignty and His ability to keep us till this pandemic is over. On my way home that evening I purposed to maintain my focus where it has been - on Jesus. Just like David found strength in the Lord when he got back to Ziklag and found it burnt to the ground and the wives & children taken captive by the Amalekites and facing the threat of stoning from the men he was with, I promised myself to find strength in God during this difficult time. 

Trust me, I know things are hard. It doesn't even look like things will get better anytime soon. The darkness seems to be too thick to the point of choking the very life out of you but keep your eyes on Jesus. Listen child of God, DO NOT WORRY. Refuse to be consumed by WORRY. Matthew 6:25 - 27 "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; not about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet you heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value that they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" In place of worry, pray, meditate on the word of God and most importantly take all your worries & anxieties to God. He knows what you are going through and He is so ready to calm your fears. 

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Learn to take EVERYTHING to God in prayer - EVERYTHING. You feel angry - let God know. You feel anxious - let God know. You feel discouraged - let God know. You feel weary - let God know. You feel desperate - let God know. You feel hopeless - let God know. When Christ left, God sent us a Helper - The Holy Spirit who is our Comforter, Counselor & very present help in time of need and great news is that He is so ready to embrace you and grant you a peace that surpasses all  human understanding. Is it easy to keep your eyes on Jesus when things are tough - absolutely not and God knows this.There are definitely moments you will have a "Peter Moment" where you focus on the wind and start to sink but even as you get to that moment, remember to cry out to Jesus to save you.  I'm definitely praying for you. As you read this, may the peace of God that transcends all understanding be your portion in Jesus Mighty Name. It shall be well. This too shall pass. Stay encouraged. Stay focused on Jesus.