The news is aflutter with updates of this new virus, COVID-19. I can’t turn on the TV or look at my phone without seeing some new update on how many cases there are or where the virus has spread to. The constant updates are driving anxiety up in our country and across the world, so much so that stores are limiting toilet paper and hand sanitizer sales. I won’t lie — I ran out and bought some extra canned goods and paper products myself. “Better safe than sorry,” I said to myself as I loaded my pantry with canned tuna, vegetables and other goods.

Tonight, as I was sitting here thinking about all the canned goods on my shelves and the extra bottle of hand sanitizer I have on the counter, I wondered if it would be enough. “What if we don’t have enough?” I wondered. “What if I’m not as prepared as I thought?”

My mind hates the thought of the unknown — it bothers me beyond belief.

While the idea that my cupboard at home is full is somewhat comforting, it’s really only putting a band aid on the real issue — this is a problem I don’t have an experience with and I just want to do something. Anything. Stockpile toilet paper and nonperishables? Absolutely. Stock up on lysol and bleach? Bring it on. Watch the news and social media to find out where this strange and unknown virus has traveled to? Of course.

It’s not bad to try to prepare within reason – have some extra food on hand, wash our hands often and cover coughs with our elbows. However, I have to stop myself from becoming panicked about this situation, simply because it won’t do any good anyway. It’s not as if a wall of canned green beans will protect myself and my family from the illness. All the toilet paper in the world won’t keep people from getting sick.

However, there is a place we can stock up that will be beneficial in any situation. If we look at Matthew 6:19-21, the Lord has already told us where to store up our provisions. “Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourself your treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If we turn to the Lord, our provisions will be sufficient indeed. I had forgotten that a bit this week, my friends.

In this uncertain time, I needed a reminder that God is ultimately in control of this situation — not me. I needed a reminder that He tells us so often throughout the Bible not to worry. (Which I really struggle with, if you didn’t know.) How often do we hear the words “Fear not,” in the Word of God? We may not know it and we may not feel it, but God has got our backs. He is always with us, guiding us and loving us every step of the way. This doesn’t mean we won’t face incredible trials and hardship. This does not mean that it will be easy or that things won’t be scary. But we can be comforted in knowing that we are not alone, and we know what the endgame will bring. We know that Christ has and will triumph — that “it is finished,” as he said on that fateful day after enduring the pain of the Cross.

God did not send his Son to die for us to simply leave us lost and alone. Christ came to give us life to the full — abundantly. No matter what trials we face, no matter what uncertainty the future brings and no matter what scary things loom in the distance — we cannot forget that the Lord has stored up the peace that passes all understanding for us right here and now. We must cling to his promises – that He will never forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6); He will watch over us (Psalm 121:5); He will give us rest (Matthew 11:28).

This week, I’m going to try to keep these things in mind, storing them up for the days to come. Maybe it’s time for me to quit shoving so much into my cupboards and store up the Word of God in my heart. My friends, let us make the earthly preparations we need to make — but let us also prepare our hearts and minds with what matters most. I pray health, peace and joy for all of you in these coming weeks.