In the midst of a crisis, it’s easy to get distracted by what you see and lose focus on your foundation. As many of us try to manage the constant changes and updates due to coronavirus, while stress and weariness may sneak in, they do not have to be the norm.
In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we asked some of our Grace staff to share their favorite bible verses to lean on in times of uncertainty:
Omar Cardona
Director of Mission Integration
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Every time I meditate on this verse about the peace of the Lord, I’m reminded that real peace is not the absence of a storm, but the ability to sing in the midst of it. The peace that Jesus offers us is not a product of our surroundings. It is planted by Him in our hearts. Therefore, it comes from the inside.
Michelle Cash
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This is my go-to verse for stress and fear. This verse is a beautiful reminder that we serve a loving Lord and Savior who cares for us intimately. He is always close and he never leaves us. He tenderly holds us and he gives us strength and He does not want us to be afraid. He is sovereign and in control; therefore, we do not need to fear anything. I am deeply grateful for a Heavenly Father who is in control, holds me close and strengthens me.
Nirvana Muñiz, LCSW
Social Services Director
Psalm 121:1-8
I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
I learned this Psalm as a song when I was a teenager in Puerto Rico. When my youth group leader would ask what song we wanted to sing, everyone would yell out, “Psalm 121!” EVERY week. We sang it so much that I have never forgotten it. Throughout my life in moments of stress/fear, I have found myself singing it. It brings me comfort and peace to know that the maker of heaven and earth is protecting me, covering me and giving me strength to face whatever I perceive as a struggle in my life AND that He doesn’t sleep; He is always watching over me.
