In this fast paced society, our batteries often run dangerously low. We may try to plug into superficial power, such as a daily trip to Starbucks (extra shots!) or some retail therapy (amen, hallelujah!). Sometimes we rely on our friends and family to give us that high to make us feel valued. We look to a significant other to fill the deep desire for love and affirmation.

But these power sources just don’t cut it. They can’t quite get our soul battery to a full charge. We’re left feeling frustrated, let down, exhausted, and even defeated.

I believe this is the perfect time to get plugged into the supernatural power of Jesus. While the world around us seems to crumble, He is what will sustain and keep us strong. And I believe He is calling us to turn our eyes to the Prince of Peace and to be a light in the darkness. Here are a few ways we can contribute peace in these uncertain times and turn all the chaos into power.

4 Ways to Turn Chaos Into Power

1. BE INFORMED

I’ve seen so many conflicting stories and details regarding this virus. TBH- It stresses me out. Find one to two reliable and credible sources to obtain your information— like the CDC website! But DON’T go mindlessly scrolling through Twitter and Facebook for facts. I promise, thats the LAST place to find credible information and you’ll probably end up with imaginary symptoms. (I can tell you what you need to know: stay at home, wash your hands while singing Happy Birthday [or the chorus of your favorite bop], take your vitamins, carry hand sanitizer for emergencies, and don’t touch your face!!) Just enjoy the memes on Instagram and don’t get sucked into the news.

2. CHECK IN ON YOUR COMMUNITY

I am missing my church fam something fierce! This has been a blatant reminder that church is not a building but a community of people. God has given us so many great tools to stay in touch— USE them! Give your offering online, hop on Zoom for Small Group or YouTube for church on Sunday! (If your church isn’t offering those options or you’re just looking for some extra encouragement, message me and I’ll get you plugged in!) Connect with your friends, and make some new ones while you’re at it! Share a verse, a funny video or a link to a new skin care product you love! (I’m thinking about having a face mask day for all my girls via FaceTime haha who is in??)

And remember, the older people in your life probably don’t FaceTime, Zoom or IG—- so give them a call! (I know, I HATE talking on the phone too!) They would love to hear your voice and it would remind them that they are not forgotten.

There are so many ways to stay connected in community from a distance all while giving back and deepening these relationships— do something that encourages and uplifts someone else! This isn’t just about YOU!

And if by some miracle you come across one last pack of toilet paper, grab it quick and take it to your neighbor.

3. PRACTICE SELF/SOUL CARE

Let’s be honest, it would be SO nice to just Netflix, sleep and eat all day. But it wouldn’t be good for the body and soul.

⁃ Be sanitary (But for real)

⁃Take a walk, exercise

⁃ Eat REAL food that fuels the body

⁃ Make that DIY hair mask you’ve been dying to try

⁃ Read books (and take notes and share with me)

⁃ Take up a hobby or instrument

⁃ Spring Cleaning! (My least favorite!)

⁃ Write notes and mail them!

⁃ But also, watch some Netflix

4. GROW CLOSER TO JESUS

If we miss this, this will all be in vain. I believe this season of fear, chaos and change in pace is the perfect stage to see the face of God in a new and glorious light. He is calling us to stop looking around and to look to Him. What if we put more effort into hearing from God than we do into getting the latest COVID-19 updates? Imagine what our faith and influence would look like!

⁃ Read your Bible; Memorize verses and passages

⁃ Find a Bible study that highlights the character and the power of God (or anything you’d like to learn more about!)

⁃ Create a worship playlist to put on repeat

⁃ Write out your prayers

⁃ Journal what God is teaching you

⁃ Remember God’s blessings and express gratitude

While we practice social distancing I pray this makes way for opportunities to slow down, connect on a deeper level, to hone in on that hobby you’ve neglected, to read that book you’ve been meaning to get to, to adopt a new way of being and loving. Learn a new way to rest and to hear God like you’ve never heard Him before. I pray we don’t waste this time cowering in fear, but months or years from now we can say that we used this time for His good and for His glory.

The circumstances are real, but so is God. And while this too shall pass, remember that He is faithful and His goodness remains forever.

Verses to Memorize

“Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.”

Psalms 36:5-9

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

Isaiah 41:10

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Deuteronomy 31:6

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:”

Isaiah 26:3-4

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

1 Peter 4:7-8

“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

1 Peter 5:7-10

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

We are so thankful that this time is no surprise to you. You tell us in your Word that you care for the sparrow and we know that we know you’ll care for us. Stop the spread of this virus. Give us wisdom and discernment, give doctors and nurses the strength and health to endure and give the world peace and assurance that you hold us in the palm of your hand and that nothing is too big for you! I pray that many would come to know you through this pandemic and that your love for this lost world would ring louder than the noise.

Lord, in your presence, we have everything we need. Only YOU are the source of joy. Restore relationships, restore love, hope, faith, purpose and let your truth reign. Ignite in us a fire to share the love of Jesus, to take this season as a chance to shine and be a light.

We love you. We trust you. Use us.

In Jesus’ Name.