How Do You Respond to Times of Chaos and Uncertainty?

At the beginning of 2019, I created a three-year planner for myself that I printed out and put in a large binder. It was quite a project, because I decided that each weekly page needed its own inspirational quote. As I randomly selected each one, from various sources of wisdom, I mused that the message would be exactly what I needed to hear when the time came. It was fun, creating this nice support system for my future self.

This week, as we face the uncertainty of the coronavirus and all it entails (closing schools, canceling public performances, eliminating jobs for people like me who work in the entertainment industry), this week’s once-arbitrary quote has brought me comfort in ways I couldn’t have anticipated:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7

It brings me comfort to know that whatever ultimately happens in this situation, God is in control and wants us to be courageous. This isn’t taking Him by surprise, and He knows exactly what’s going to happen. He’s always known. In fact, this time of trial has been a part of His plan all along. And that goes a long way to dissipate my fears.

This verse also reminds me that even when we’re up against something as confusing and daunting as this, we’re not powerless. Above all, we’re called to love one another and to keep a cool head. Not a bad reminder.

And remember, no matter what, we’re all in this together. Even when the media tells us to stay six feet apart.

What are your go-to tactics for handling difficult times? I’d love to hear about them.