Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
(John 14:27 NIV)
I have a real treat for you today… guest author, Dr. Anne Worth. Dr. Worth is no stranger to crisis, abuse, desperation, or feeling unworthy. She holds a master’s and a doctorate degree in counseling psychology and has been in private practice for almost 40 years. Her life-altering relationship with God and Jesus began later in life. Just when she was sure she would forever be unworthy of God’s love, she found God. And, God found her Worthy. Dr. Anne Worth’s faith and belief is a guiding light for her during this pandemic.
Many of us are still in the grip of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Although life as we know it may have changed, God and his love for us has not. Although challenged, we are also strengthened by our faith and belief. No matter how difficult life may get, we will not be alone. In our darkest hour, God will be our guiding light. Sharing Dr. Worth with you is such a gift from God. Please enjoy her wisdom and faith.
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The COVID Pandemic and Faith by Dr. Anne Worth
I find my optimism through scripture.
~ Dr. Anne Worth
Problems are a natural part of life, and even though we are in a truly troubling worldwide crisis, there are still good things God is doing in our lives. If we lose sight of that, we could become fearful and distraught. Satan would love for us to think of nothing but the dire things that are happening all around us. He wants us to feel helpless and overwhelmed. But Jesus clearly said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) The peace He gives us makes no sense to the world, to those who are caught up the circumstances around us.
But we see something the world cannot see, the unseen help that is there for the asking.
What can we do to remember the words of Jesus? Read scripture, learn scripture, put it in our mind and heart. And go to our Father in prayer-our father, who is like a kind Daddy, always wanting to hear what we have to tell him.
In prayer, we call on God for his strength and comfort. He gives us the peace that makes no sense to the world, especially now. At peace, we more clearly hear the Holy Spirit’s guidance in how to help ourselves, our families, and others.
I am amazed at the joy and creativity all around me…from sidewalk chalk messages, encouraging words painted on fences, and rocks strewn along our path. The goodness and love of people surround us. Restaurants are sending out free meals, folks are sewing masks and donating what they can to those in need.
I send Pizza to the Emergency Room, although I’m afraid they may be getting tired of Pizza. I think my next order will be sandwiches.
We must not lose sight of the truth that God is still on the throne, that none of this surprises him and that he can use everything intended for evil and turn it into good. There is no doubt this pandemic is a tragedy, an almost unbelievable event, and grief will be all around us. But, the healing grace of God is also around us. We can have peace and see the good under these challenging circumstances.
People ask me how I can be so positive during a pandemic like this. I find my optimism through scripture. It wasn’t always like that. Life was difficult before God found me worthy.
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Thank you, Dr. Anne Worth, for sharing your wisdom, and God with us.
About the guest author: Dr. Anne Worth is the author of Call Me Worthy, and has contributed to many publications listed on her website, along with her blog. Dr. Worth is a speaker and has assisted in Someone Cares Retreats for women who have had abortions, which is part of her own story. She is a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and that is a story in itself because Anne has never had a biological child. Dr. Anne has mothered many children…men and women from war-torn Sudan, an orphan from Russia, abused and neglected women-all of them call her Mama or Grand Mom or GG. Learn more about Dr. Anne Worth, her work, and her book @ https://dranneworthauthor.com/
This reminds me that there is nothing too big for God. Even faith the size of a mustard seed brings the Awesomeness of God into any situation. My God is bigger than anything I can even imagine.
Lynn, I love that quote too!
Teresa Velardi, I agree with you. God is bigger than anything I can imagine, too! Thank you for your comment.
I recently read something profound and so true; Uncover your heart and you will uncover God and find yourself. My optimism is found in my faith and nothing, absolutely nothing, can destroy that for me. Great article.
Lynn, I love the quote “Uncover your heart and you will uncover God and find yourself.” So powerful. And, so true. So glad you liked the article and think you for your comment.