This is part of our series, Discipleship & the Coronavirus, featuring posts written by GABC members on what God is teaching them during the coronavirus pandemic.
You may read the entire series here.
by Dixie Carpenter
As a person in the higher risk category—over 60 and with an underlying health condition—I could become a worrywart but so far by God’s grace that is not the case.
The main thing I’m learning during this time is what it means for me to walk in/by the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) to call upon the Holy Spirit to do His work in my heart and mind, for Him to be the controller of my thoughts day and night. The Holy Spirit brings comfort through giving me peace in my heart and mind as He brings to the forefront the hymns and choruses and scriptures that I have memorized during my 63 years on this earth. These last few weeks I’ve had a continual concert in my mind and often break into song at any moment at home and at the office. (What sweetness and sometimes laughter when Jim joins in with me as I break into song at home.) Oh, how these songs and scripture verses minister to my heart.
Song
I’d like to share the words to one of the hymns on my mental playlist. (If you want a list of other hymns and songs on my playlist just contact me.) Following the words are a few of the scripture verses that are bringing me comfort and peace as well.
In my own quirky way of thinking about things, I decided to make this song my anthem throughout the time of this pandemic and beyond. My middle name is Daye so I have a personal mental cue for this song as well as the Spirit’s prompting.
Day By Day
By Caroline V. Sandell-Berg and Oscar Ahnfelt
Day by day and with each passing moment,
Strength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best—
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Everyday the Lord Himself is near me
With a special mercy for each hour;
All my cares He fain would bear, and cheer me,
He who name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure
Is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
So to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
That I lose not faith’s sweet consolation
Offered me within Thy holy word.
Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
One by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
Till I reach the promised land.
Scripture
The verses are in the Amplified version as this version helps me as I meditate and pray through them.
Psalm 68:19 (AMP)
Blessed be the Lord, who bears our burden day by day,
The God who is our salvation! Selah
Isaiah 26:3-4 (AMP)
3 “You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character],
Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].
4 “Trust [confidently] in the Lord forever [He is your fortress, your shield, your banner], For the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages].
Nahum 1:7 (AMP)
7 The Lord is good, A strength and stronghold in the day of trouble;
He knows [He recognizes, cares for, and understands fully] those who take refuge and trust in Him.
Philippians 4:6-7 (AMP)
6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
Colossians 3:16-17 (AMP)
16 Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you teach [spiritual things] and admonish and train one another with all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 (AMP)
16 Rejoice always and delight in your faith; 17 be unceasing and persistent in prayer;
Prayer
And finally my prayer for believers throughout the world.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (AMP) — Now may the Lord of peace Himself grant you His peace at all times and in every way [that peace and spiritual well-being that comes to those who walk with Him, regardless of life’s circumstances]. The Lord be with you all.