Distracted by Fear

Spiritual Vitamin

If you could pick 3 challenges, fears or concerns that you have this week, what would they be?

Challenge:Pray that God would give you His peace for these concerns and that you would be able to trust God in the days ahead.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, I’ve got to admit, it’s hard to start another week in the midst of this crisis. Why do I find myself checking the phone and having a short attention span? My attention can so quickly be distracted by the challenges, fears and concerns of the day. Lord, I need a new huge dose of your peace today! As I enter into this Holy Week, I find myself encouraged by the peace that you give…..“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)  Lord, thank you for the reminder that your peace helps me not be afraid! It’s so different than the temporary peace the world can give. So, Lord, help me rest in your perfect peace today. Let me pass on your peace to those who need it. Thank you so much for your gift of peace. Amen. 

Perfect Peace

Spiritual Vitamin

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

Challenge: What keeps you from perfect peace today?

Today's Prayer

 

Dear God, I can get so distracted during this time! The distractions are many, like squirrels darting in front of me, going here and there. I can get lost in news threads, instagram, facebook, COVID 19 updates and mindless inner chatter.  It seems that you knew I would struggle this way, God. I love the peace that comes over me when I read Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”  I need this so much!  Thank you that you remind me of two simple things: Be still. You are God. How can I so easily forget that you are my source of protection, peace, comfort and hope in dark times? You are God and I am not. So, today, I ask that You would settle my mind. Give me a huge dose of your peace today. I love your promise in Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Lord, that’s what I want! I want your perfect peace. Steady my mind on You. Help me rely and trust in You for everything. Amen.

God Who Stays

Spiritual Vitamin

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Challenge: How do you find yourself hiding from God? Did you know that nothing can separate you from God? Nothing! 

Today's Prayer

Dear God, I need your presence today, God. This isolation is getting to me. It’s hard to be away from people and enjoy the familiar laughing, working, joking and even working out together. There are times I feel unseen, afraid and lonely. As hard as this COVID-19 isolation feels, I’m very thankful that I’m never isolated from you. You are the God who stays. Just like the song, Lord,  “You’re the God who stays. You’re the one who runs in my direction when the whole world walks away. You’re the God who stands with wide open arms. You tell me nothing I have ever done can separate my heart from the God who stays. My shame can’t separate. My guilt can’t separate. My past can’t separate. I’m yours forever.” (The God Who Stays, by Matthew West) Lord, help me hold on to that truth today. Nothing can separate me from your love and presence. So, I cling to your presence today in the midst of this isolation. There is no presence like your presence.  Amen. 

Refresh Your Life

Spiritual Vitamin

  

Consider what it might feel like to get an invitation just for you to provide refreshment and new ways to live.

Challenge: What hinders you from receiving such an invitation?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, It’s so hard to enjoy a busy schedule and then all at once be at a standstill. Lord, there are so many questions in this pause about work, finances, health, and life itself as I know it. As my restless mind goes on and on with worry, I remember your gentle invitation from Scripture: “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Then come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.” (Matthew 11: 28-30 TPT) Lord, your words truly calm my soul. You want to refresh me and be my oasis; I only need ask. Forgive me for the times I’ve turned my back on you, God. I need you today and need your help to see me through. Amen.

 

  

Other Centered

Spiritual Vitamin

Do you have an "other centered" mindset today?

Challenge: Take time to pray by name for those you know who are on the front lines during this pandemic.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Today, we take a moment to pray for those in our communities that need our prayers. We pray for our government, businesses, media and schools, hospitals and medical community. Lord, give wisdom to leaders, good health to all and strength for those to keep on serving on the frontlines, day after day. We pray by name for those we know personally. Give us an “other centered” mindset as we go about our day, looking for who we might encourage. In humility help us value others above ourselves. (Philippians 2:3) Even if we’re hurting today, Lord, help us reach out to someone who might need a call or text from us. Lord, please continue to encourage us in our own personal grief and sadness. We cast all our own anxieties on you now, because you care for us. (1 Peter 5:7) Amen.

Sure Foundation

Spiritual Vitamin

"He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:6
Challenge: Will you trust God to be your sure foundation?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Sometimes we don’t even know why we feel the way we feel because we’ve never experienced anything like this in our lifetime. Things don’t feel that stable and we desire to cling to you, who never changes. Throughout the Bible there are hundreds of names given to you….names that reorient our minds to who you are, even during this crisis. So, we’re thankful today, that you are all-sufficient in the face of crisis. You are our burden bearer for each of our burdens. You are our adequacy for all our inadequacy. You are a sure foundation when everything around us is insecure. You are joy, when we are depressed. You are our protector when we feel scared and vulnerable. You are our provider when we lack so much. And these are just a few of your names! We thank you, God, that you are more than sufficient to meet all our needs. Amen.

Perseverance

 Spiritual Vitamin

"Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen." Oswald Chambers

Challenge: How do you need to persevere this week? Ask God to help you persevere with His strength.

Today's Prayer 

Dear God, Lord, we admit our need for endurance and a stick-to-itiveness spirit to walk through these days of social isolation.  How, Lord? Please help us endure! The separation from our family, our friends, the elderly, those sick and our work associates is hard enough! Not to think of the joys of life we miss, like going out to eat, enjoying a happy hour with friends or going to a concert. Lord, we truly miss life as know it and the separation is so tough. But, we are reminded this morning, that nothing will be able to separate us from your love! Paul speaks with total certainty when he says in Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor thing present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. “ So, Lord, we lean into your love today that is sure! We thank you for your constant presence, peace and comfort. We walk into this day with renewed hope that You will indeed see us through! Thank you! Amen.

Help with Fear

Spiritual Vitamin

"The presence of fear does not mean you have no faith. Fear visits everyone. But make your fear a visitor and not a resident." Max Lucado

Challenge: What do you fear today? Take time to pray and give your fears to God.

Today's Prayer

Dear God, I’m comforted by your words in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “ Lord, these aren’t just words on a page, but this is a promise straight from your Word to each one of us. Thank you, Father, for upholding us with your “righteous right hand,” that hand that holds us close to your heart. Even though we’d prefer instant relief from these crazy days, we want to thank you for your promise. I cling to your words today. I pray for those today that are feeling the weight of the virus concerns. Lord, whatever we face today, I ask that we would enjoy a huge dose of your peace and that you would take care of ANY need that we have. Thank you, God. Amen.

The Gift of Sabbath

Spiritual Vitamin

"Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Genesis 2:3

Challenge: Do you enjoy the gift of Sabbath? How?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Thank you for the gift of Sabbath. Some of us have way too much time on our hands these days; others are crazy busy. Either way, we’re so thankful that you give us one day at the beginning of the week to rest and appreciate the gift of life. Taking a “pause” and doing nothing can be so hard for us! But, Lord, we choose to trust you today and the Sabbath you give us. Help us find joy, laughter, fun and enjoyment in our day. Help us lift our eyes from the concerns of our world and find our rest in You. We delight in you, God and your world, and remember that you are still in control over this virus. And so, Lord, we give you our fatigue, our burnout, our anxiety, our worn-down immune systems, our confusion and our tension. Teach us to rest. To relax. To enjoy a moment in time that is a gift from You. Amen.

Seize the Moment

Spiritual Vitamin

Seize the day. Seize the moment. Make the most of the opportunities God gives you. 

Challenge: What differences do you need to make to actually live fully each day?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, We trust you for this new day that you have given me. In the midst of this crisis, I just want to pause and thank you for the gift of life. I’m reminded of the Psalmist saying “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”  I want to make the most of this day, even though the circumstances aren’t my desire. Help me continue to” flatten the curve” with isolation. I’m reminded that as lonely as I might feel in isolation that you always invite me to draw near to you. (James 4:8) You promise to draw near to me. Lord, I’m never alone. Thank you for your presence. May I understand it and experience it like never before! Amen.

Trusting God

Spiritual Vitamin

What keeps me from trusting the Lord during COVID? Reaffirm your commitment to trust the Lord with ALL your heart. 

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Help me learn to trust you in these challenging days. Help me live in light of Proverbs 3:5-6,  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” I admit, God that I struggle to trust you with ALL my heart. I can tend to lean on my own understanding. I then realize that I don’t have all the answers and I do lack understanding. Help me realize that you are God over all! You are perfectly trustworthy. I can trust you fully and welcome your guidance over every aspect of my life. Enlarge my borders and help me be used by you during these difficult days. Amen.

Anxiety

Spiritual Vitamin

"Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength." Charles Spurgeon

Challenge: How has anxiety emptied your today of its strength?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, It can feel so scary out there, just trying to get what I need. I pray, Lord, that you provide all I need in my life right now. Help me go to the grocery store without fear, but faith, trusting that You will provide my every need. Help me even have joy, peace and patience as I attempt to get my groceries. Help me pause to even pray for the grocery workers that I see. Protect them as well. You remind me in Matthew 6:25-34 to not be anxious about my life, what I will eat or what I will drink, nor about my body, what I will put on. You ask me to look at the birds and see how you feed them. You remind me that I am of more value than them. So, we trust you today knowing that You will meet all my needs. Amen.

The Unknowns

Spiritual Vitamin

"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Challenge: Do I believe that the Lord is near? Am I trusting Him in the unknowns of life?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, The most certain reality in our lives is your perfect love. The COVID-19 virus has shown us in so many ways that there are so many things that aren’t certain. We can’t be certain about our finances, our health, our work and even our future. We long for certainty in the face of unknowns. So, Lord, we pause for a moment and mediate on your love. We could never deserve it or earn it. No matter what we we do or not do, we can never lose your love. Your love each of your children perfectly! Your love is the only love that never falters and never fails.  And so, Lord, we close with the promise of your presence and love during this challenging time. May it be so today: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you by his love, He will exult over you with loud singing.”(Zephaniah 3:17) So, God, even as we live in the face of uncertainties, synch into our minds your steadfast love. Amen.

Got Compassion?

Spiritual Vitamin 

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

Challenge: Consider this verse. How are you caring for others during this time?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Today, I pray for all those affected by COVID-19. It’s so easy to focus on how this affects my own world and all the things that have changed in my own life. But, Lord, today, I pray for all those sick and infected. God, please heal and help all infected. Sustain their bodies and encourage their hearts. I pray for those that are older as well those that suffer chronic disease. I pray for those who are struggling financially. I pray for our leaders at work and ask that You would guide them and strengthen them each day. I pray for our local, state, and federal governments as well. Give them unique wisdom for this crisis. Lord, in the midst of my own cares and concerns, it’s so good to take time and pray for all others who are hurting. Help me consider how I can encourage others, care for others and serve others at this time. Amen.

My Challenges

Spiritual Vitamin

What are your biggest challenges for today? Consider each one of them and then pray the prayer below. 

Today's Prayer

Dear God, It feels like one of the biggest challenges in my mind is the unknowns in this crises. Not knowing what ‘could’ happen can feel unnerving! They threaten to crush my mind with anxiety and fear.  God, today, I need to give you ALL the unknowns. I’m reminded, Lord, of what I DO know. You are faithful and your promises are sure. So, today, I recall to my mind what is true: You will fight for me. ((Exodus 14:14) When I hope in the Lord, you will renew my strength. (Isaiah 40:31) You are with me. (Isaiah 41:10) If I lack wisdom, I can ask you and you give generously to me. (James 1:5) The Lord God will be with me wherever I go. (Joshua 1:9) Finally, you tell me that when I call on you in the day of trouble, you will deliver me, and you will honor me. (Psalm 50:15) So, today, I thank you for your Word that encourages my heart! I choose to walk in peace and hope today because your promises are sure! Amen.

Trusting God

Spiritual Vitamin

"The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him." Psalm 28:7

Challenge: What is your greatest need today? Will you trust God to meet your need?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, In this new normal, I ask that you would be so faithful to meet all my needs today.  I am desperate for your help. Today, I give you everything that is personally on my heart: _______________________________. I want to truly trust you for every one of my burdens. You say in Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” Lord, I want to trust you this way! Show me when I lean on m own understanding. I want to believe that you will see me through this. Strengthen my trust muscle today. I lean into you. Amen.

God is Near

Spiritual Vitamin

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

Challenge: Even though we are social distancing, we are not far from God. He is very near. Ask Him today for a greater awareness of His presence in your life.

Today's Prayer 

Dear God,

We pray that you will guide us with social distancing. This can feel very unnerving and can cause anxious hearts and minds. Lord, help us to live each day with your guidance for how to keep a distance yet keep close to those we love. Lord, give us creativity to navigate this season. Help us initiate and reach out to those that might be alone and hurting. Help us to see that we can encourage others even though we ourselves might need encouragement. Thank you that you are always close to us and we can always talk to you. Your presence always goes with us. We thank you for that. Amen.

Need Wisdom?

Spiritual Vitamin

What is wisdom? The Bible says in Psalms 110:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have good understanding. His praise endures forever!" 

Challenge: Do you fear the Lord? What would that look like? Are you daily asking God to give you His wisdom?

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

We need your wisdom in the midst of these changing, unsettling days. Lord, we seek to make wise decisions about work, home, leading our children, and how we live in this new normal The wisdom from above is needed in our decision-making, choices, words and actions. You are the one who gives knowledge, understanding, and discernment. You tell us “if we lack wisdom, we should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and you will give it to us.”(James 1:5) So, we ask boldly for the wisdom we need in our respective roles and responsibilities. Thank you, Lord, for providing what we need before we ask. Amen.

Perfect Peace

Spiritual Vitamin

"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsover, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis de Sales

Challenge: What are your anxious thoughts today? Ask God for His perfect peace to settle your heart.

Today's Prayer

Dear God,

We focus our prayer this morning on calming our anxious thoughts. It is so easy to think about the “what if’s?” during this unsettling time. Father, You tell us in Psalm 4:8 “In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Lord, we ask for your perfect peace to settle us, keep us calm, give us good sleep and help us dwell in safety. We ask that also for our children as well as those for those who might have compromised health at this time. Lord, thank you for giving us the peace of God. We trust that you will carry us each day in your peace. Amen.

During Difficult Times Trust In God

Spiritual Vitamin

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Challenge: How does God want you to trust His plan in the midst of life’s daily difficulties?

Today's Prayer

Dear God, Thank you so much that I matter to You. That gives me such comfort today.  And even on those days where I feel “small” or “insignificant”, I STILL matter to You!  Your feelings never change for me. You never give up on me! You never leave me! In fact, you delight in me! Zephaniah 3:17 is such a visual reminder of how important I am to You!  I give thought to this verse and it makes my heart sing!: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” It’s hard to fathom on my worst of days that the God of the universe rejoices over me, but it’s true. You also weep with me when I weep. In fact, Psalm 56:8 says “You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” I give thanks today in what a personal God you are! I matter and everything about me matters to You. I’m not an accident and even before the universe was created, You, God, had me in mind and had a specific plan for me. Help me to walk into this day with a spring in my step! Help me live in light of the purpose that you destined for me. I’m thoroughly blown away by how much you love me, God! Amen.