“Lucy looked along the beam and presently saw something in it. At first it looked like a cross, then it looked like an aeroplane, then it looked like a kite, and at last with a whirring of wings it was right overhead and was an albatross. It circled three times round the mast and then perched for an instant on the crest of the gilded dragon at the prow. It called out in a strong sweet voice what seemed to be words though no one understood them. After that it spread its wings, rose, and began to fly slowly ahead, bearing a little to starboard. Drinian steered after it not doubting that it offered good guidance. But no one except Lucy knew that as it circled the mast it had whispered to her, “Courage, dear heart,” and the voice, she felt sure, was Aslan’s, and with the voice a delicious smell breathed in her face.”

-C.S. Lewis, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (emphasis mine)

The world is a much different place than it was a few months ago.

Now, we’re at home almost 24/7. We can’t go to church, or school, or the movie theater, or the coffee shop. We can’t hang out with friends. We’re trying to figure out why all the toilet paper is gone. And when I read the news, anxiety claws at my heart.

In the midst of all this chaos, the truth tends to be forgotten. We tend to bemoan our fate, shake our fists, and wail “woe is me!”

This new normal still feels incredibly strange. But I don’t want to wallow in a mire of forgetfulness and entitlement and self-pity in the midst of this darkness.

Every time I start to feel like anxiety is overwhelming me or fear is blinding me, I remember these words of Jesus:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

-John 16:33 (emphasis mine)

Jesus has overcome the world, friends. He has overcome the world. When we decide to follow Jesus, he doesn’t promise the the good life according to the world’s standards. He doesn’t promise that we won’t be made fun of or mocked or hurt. He doesn’t promise material prosperity or physical safety. And he doesn’t promise that there won’t be a worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

But he does promise joy. Peace. Love. He promises that he will give us everything we need and that we will have eternal, perfect lives in paradise that can never be taken away from us. He promises that he will be with us always, to the very end of the age.

I’m scared, guys. This pandemic is really terrifying. I don’t want to get sick or see any of my family and friends get sick. It’s easy for me to be consumed by fear and stress. But when I trust in the Lord, my heart is made strong.

Whenever I read the chapter in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader about the Dark Island, where nightmares come true and darkness seems to close in tight around you, it strikes me. Every single time. The part when Aslan flies in as an albatross to strengthen Lucy and lead the crew out of the darkness is one of my favorites out of all literature. “Courage, dear heart.”

“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”

-Psalm 27:14

God is my King, and I am his daughter. The Lord gives me courage when I am weak, and that’s something that gives me joy and peace and courage whenever I think about it.

Today, friends, let’s praise our King for everything he’s done. Let’s thank him for his goodness and his sovereignty even in the midst of this suffocating darkness. Let’s trust that he’s working to draw people to himself and that he’s using this situation for the good of those who love him. Let’s pray for deliverance and that he uses this situation to advance his kingdom. He is awesome, guys. He’s certainly able to work amid the coronavirus’s rampage, and he hears our prayers. Let’s rest in that today. ❤

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.”

-Psalm 34:1-4 (emphasis mine)

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How can I pray for you, friends? What’s been giving you joy in the midst of this crazy? Any favorite Scripture passages? Let me know in the comments!