Thoughts

Today in my devotions the scripture was Philippians 4:4-7. "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men.  The Lord is near.  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Today you may find yourself drifting toward anxiety and fear.  Don't beat yourself up.  That seems pretty natural considering the circumstances surrounding us.  Covid-19 is at the front of our attention. 
Here is a practical application when anxiety begins to creep in on you. 
1. Stop dwelling on your fears.  In your mind you can picture the worst possible things.  Of course it is good to prepare for the worst and hope for the best, but check yourself from dwelling on that which frightens you most.
2. Replace your anxiety with praise.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  Even today.  Even this moment.  That may be something like, "Oh God, source of my joy.  I give you my highest praise today."
3. Be reminded that the Lord is near.  The Holy Spirit is right here with you.  You are not alone.  God has not forgotten you exist.  God has not abandoned you. (or anyone for that matter)  May the Lord enter your thoughts even as you praise him.
4. Be anxious for nothing...Acknowledge your anxieties, fears, and even your sense of panic, but there is something greater at work with you.  The peace of Christ - the God of peace itself - is with you and in you.
5. Replace your thoughts of fear with prayer.  You might pray something like, "Lord, heal those (myself included) infected with the coronavirus and protect all others from it.  Grant extraordinary wisdom and knowledge to all the medical researchers and people working to develop treatment in every form.  Move people across the world to look after the interests of others and trust you to provide all that is needed.  (You can fill out your prayers as they rise in your heart and mind.)
6.  The next part of prayer is supplication.  Example: God, I ask you for peace and wholeness in my life.
7. The underlying principle of these prayers is Thanksgiving.  In a spirit of gratitude to God we make our prayers known.
My prayer for you is that the peace of God guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 
Hope these steps spur you on to prayer.  Trust these ideas spark more creativity in your personal faith and prayer life. 
Do all the experts are encouraging us to do but let's not neglect the spiritual gifts and power God has made available to us through His Spirit.
steve