Hope on the Home Front

B i b l i c a l A s s u r a n c e s f o r U n c e r t a i n T i m e s Intro

Hey Friend,

These are the days.

The unusual ones. The uncertain ones. The ones we'll remember and talk about for years to come.

We've all heard the word "unprecedented" more times than we can count, experienced empty shelves and long lines, and are eagerly awaiting a return to normal life. (Whatever that will look like in the coming months and years.)

If you're feeling uncertain, lonely, restless, frustrated, anxious, down - you're not alone. You might also feel grateful, joyful, hopeful, motivated, compassionate - I hope you feel those things more days than not.

This book full of scriptures is meant to remind you of God's promises and purposes in this hectic time at home. In all circumstances, we can reach out to the God who strengthens, the God who works miracles, and most importantly, the God who is reaching out to us, too.

Jenn

© 2020 What You Make It. All rights reserved. For personal printing and use only. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. https://whatyoumakeitblog.com Contents

1 P E A C E 2 P U R P O S E 3 C O N N E C T I O N 4 J O Y 5 R E N E W A L Peace

nxiety is high right now. In the middle of all the unknowns. finances, politics, plans, health, and so much more feel like A question marks. Feeling anxious is valid - but it doesn't have to own us completely in this season. In the middle of the unknown, God makes incredible promises - that he will fight for us; work for our good; equip us with everything we need for holiness, even in troubled times.

The actually says that we can control our anxious thoughts, and submit them to Christ's control. Here are Bible verses to read when you feel particularly stressed or anxious about the uncertainties of this time.

Exodus 14:14 43:18-19 Exodus 15:13 Isaiah 55:8-9 Deuteronomy 31:8 Jeremiah 29:11 Joshua 1:9 Matthew 6:33-34 Psalm 3:3-6 Luke 12:24-26 Psalm 18 John 16:33 Psalm 20:7-8 Romans 8:28 Psalm 27:1-3 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Psalm 34 Philippians 4:5-7 Psalm 46:1-2 Hebrews 13:6-8 :1-4 2 Peter 1:3-4 :21 1 John 4:18

What words or phrases stand out to you the most in these promises?

1 Purpose

ho loves to wait? Show of hands? Who enjoys sitting in a chair at the DMV waiting for your number to be called, or standing W in line at the airport to go through security? Most of us are not, by nature, patient people. At the same time, we know that God works for our good. So - is it possible that there can be purpose in the waiting? Even in this time of waiting? Waiting for test results, answers, job applications, societal regulations to be lifted, life to move on from this virus?

We're in an interrupted time for sure. Let's read about how God's plans are purposeful - and discover what our purpose can be in these seemingly endless days.

1 Kings 8:59-61 Romans 8 Psalm 34:12-14 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Proverbs 3:5-6 Galatians 6:9 :18-19 Ephesians 5:15-16 Isaiah 55:8-13 Philippians 4:4-8, 12-13 Job 37:5-7 Colossians 3:17 Micah 6:8 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11, 16-18 ;14-16 Hebrews 12:1-2 Matthew 11:28-30 2 Peter 3:8-9

What kinds of Godly purpose can you pursue at this time of waiting?

2 Connection

here's a lot of rules settled around a similar theme these days: social distancing. Social isolation. Self-quarantine. They boil T down to the same thing - being apart from loved ones, and even limiting the most common, everyday interaction. It's sad, it's necessary, and it hurts. We might be quarantined with family or roommates, or completely on our own; you might be an extrovert or an introvert (like me!). But any way you stack it, we are made for community. It is hard to go without hugs, and to have to chat only through a device.

These days, it's important to remember that God never leaves us alone. We can stay strong in our relationship with him, and with others as well. Here are some verses to remind us of our strong connections in him.

Exodus 13:21-22 John 13:34 Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 John 14:16-17 Joshua 1:9 Romans 8:38-39 Psalm 16:5-8 1 Corinthians 13 Psalm 23 2 Corinthians 13:11 Psalm 34;18 Philippians 4:5 :10 Ephesians 5:1-2 :16 Colossians 3:15-16 Zephaniah 3:17 Hebrews 3:12-14 Matthew 28:18-20 1 John 4:11-13

What are some ways of connecting (with God or people) that you can try?

3 Joy

nsensitive. Illogical. Fleeting. Forced. In challenging times, this is what joy can feel like for us. We seek it, have a hard time I finding it, and feel guilty about it when so many people are struggling. It's complicated. One of the God-ordained traditions for the was the observation of festivals. Even in the desert. Gathering the community, remembering the Lord, celebrating all the good he had done - this was set in place by God, and became part of the rich culture and tradition of this people.

The God we serve wants us to rejoice in big and small ways! It honors him when we remember and celebrate with gratitude all that he has done (and will do) for us. It's a spiritual fruit that we can choose anytime.

Deuteronomy 16:13-15 John 15:10-11 1 Kings 8:66 Romans 12:11-12 1 Chronicles 16:25-27, 31-33 Romans 15:13 Nehemiah 8:9-12 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 Psalm 5:11-12 Galatians 5:22-23 Psalm 30:11-12 Philippians 4:4-8 Psalm 90:13-17 Hebrews 12:1-3 Psalm 94:19 James 1:2-4 Psalm 126:2-3 1 Peter 1:6-9 Habakkuk 3:17-19 Jude 24-25

What big and small joys are you thanking God for at this time?

4 Renewal

very day is different. Some days feel positive and hopeful; some seem frustrating; some are down and discouraging. E One thing that is constant is feeling tired. Tired of figuring out this new normal, tired of bad news, just physically weary. While we go through feeling tired and down and worried, we can turn to many things to boost our moods and try to feel better, right? I'm a big supporter of self care. Except with this caveat - if it's not rooted in God and refreshing our souls too, it doesn't lead to lasting refreshment. When it points us to him - to joy and gratitude and awe - it fulfills.

We can find renewal in God, who provides everything we need, who fills us with living water, who meets the desires of our hearts, and fuels us.

Deuteronomy 31:8 John 4:1-26 Psalm 23:1-3 Acts 3:19 Psalm 33:20-22 Romans 8:26 Psalm 37:4 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Psalm 41:1-3 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Psalm 103:1-5 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 :28-31 Philippians 4:12-13 Isaiah 49:15-16 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Matthew 11:28-30 Revelation 7:16-17

What refreshes you physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually?

5 Thank You!

Thank you so much for reading!

It is my prayer that this book directs you towards just the words from God that you need most right now.

I would love to invite you to connect more!

What You Make It is all about finding purpose, worth and wellness, right here and now.

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