Remember When...

Maybe you've heard this song? "Remember When," by Alan Jackson, depicting the tender relationship of a couple and how past events shaped their future. The title made me think of how we all go through difficult circumstances--not just in relationships, but in other aspects of our lives.     

Lately, we awaken each day to the grim reality that the Coronavirus has turned our world upside down, creating unrest, economic instability, and the disruption of our lives. It's no wonder we may feel fearful. The trouble with fear; however, is that when it gets out-of-hand it creates panic--and sometimes hysteria.      

Even if we're optimistic, and even if we rely in the power of One who is greater than us, we may still be fearful.  

On a positive note, a remedy is available: hundreds of verses are contained in the Bible with God's instruction that we do not fear. But it's not easy for us mortals to do. It requires us trusting in the One who created us. It is hard for us to understand why some things happen, and the truth is, we may never have answers to those questions until the day we meet God face-to-face.       

We can't predict what lies ahead. One thing that may help us; however, is to mentally take a step ahead. Imagine the day when our present difficulties fall into the category of "Remember When" moments--we will look back on this time of calamity and hopefully will be able to put it into some kind of perspective.        

If we think of past events that have presented us with insurmountable challenges, we can remind ourselves that somehow we survived, pressed on, and endured. We are stronger than we think we are.   

In this time of uncertainty, we can make the best of each day that we have. After all, that's the way we're supposed to live. One day at a time. The future hasn't arrived. The past is gone. We can be grateful for today.  

As the future comes, may our "Remember When" moments be ones that enable us to grow stronger through all that we go through, putting one more notch onto our belt of experience.         
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"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." - Psalm 46:1-3
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"Consider the lillies how they grow; they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." - Luke 12:27