He has said, “I will never fail you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Our country is nearly nine months into a lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents are forced to work from home while schooling their children via remote learning. Tensions are running high. Patience is wearing thin. Tempers are growing short and anger levels are escalating. Both parents and children miss socializing with family and friends. Many are fearful of catching COVID and transmitting it to the vulnerable. Many are isolated and alone.

We are made for community! Long-term isolation is leading to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and despair for many. Similar to wearing a mask, family life has become suffocating and you feel helpless to stop it. You are desperate for anything that will give you a glimmer of hope.

God knows your pain. He is with you in the midst of the struggle. He has promised that He will never abandon or forsake you. “Never,” means not for any reason, circumstance, nor at any time. There is no limit to this promise. God is with you to calm your fears and give you hope.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you. Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

God will never abandon you or stop loving you. In confidence, you can trust that God is with you especially when life is stressful or lonely. In the midst of your trials, God is with you, showering you with His grace to endure. Rest peacefully knowing that He will be with you regardless of your circumstances.

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

Put your faith in His promise; He will drive out any fear that deprives you of peacefulness. With God at your side, you can endure all things, the trauma of stressful family life, despair, anxiety, and loneliness. You can endure these things because God will give you strength and courage. You will not just endure these calamities; you can find comfort and joy in the midst of them. All because you know that God is always with you.

“I am with you always, to the close of the age.” Matthew 28:20

God’s promises are more than platitudes to placate you in a despairing situation. They are weapons you can use to combat Satan’s attempts to discourage you or rob you of your peace. It’s your strong support as you grapple with the challenges and stresses of life during this pandemic. As your emotions flail and your stomach churns, one thing is sure and true: God has promised never to leave you.

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. Psalm 42:5

God the Father is with you, right now, in the midst of the storm raging around you. If you doubt, ask Him to reveal who He is, who you are to Him and what He wants you to know about your circumstances. He will help you find a way through them. He will calm your fears and give you the assurance that all things are possible with Him (cf. Lk 1:37). Whenever you feel anxiety or despair, rely on this: “I will never fail you nor forsake you” (Heb 13:5).

Hence we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6

Fear not, dear friend. God is with you. May He bless you richly and give you peace of heart, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

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Next week we will discuss a remedy for anxiety, depression, and despair.