Can you feel it?
Tensions are mounting. All reasonable or rational perspective is disappearing. Panic mode is breaking out everywhere, much faster than the virus we’re afraid of, and I can’t sleep this evening because I tried to watch the news before bed.
Flipping thru a few pins on Pinterest (trying to induce myself into a sleepy state), I saw a pin about self talk and “being the best calm and focused version of yourself possible.” Truthfully, it was a bunch of narcissistic nonsense. As I read the ten things I needed to tell myself I realized that I needed to start telling myself something completely other than that; I needed to remind myself, in these moments of news induced panic, what’s truly important. I needed to call to mind and remember what God says.
And what He says applies in every situation. Always.
Here are the 12 thoughts about the Ebola “crisis” that He reminded me of tonight:
I’m in control. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all.Psalm 103 :19
I’m victorious over death. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1John 5:4
I’m singing over you, because I’m delighted with you. The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
I’m listening to you. Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
I’ve forgiven you. As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12
I’m preparing you. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
I’m holding you. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. John 10:28-29
I’m with you. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10
I already know the outcome. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
I will keep my promises. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2Corinthians 1:20-22
I love you. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
You are mine for eternity. Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. Isaiah 43:1
There’s more hope here, in His promises, than I can ever muster in my own inward-focused self talk. I, in my own strength, will never be the solution to the hope and calm I need. And I’m so thankful I don’t have to be!
daily portion 
Love, love, love ! ! !