It’s so easy to get caught up in the “what if’s” especially when so many around us are giving in to fear.

Fear is contagious.

We work hard to avoid the spread of disease.

Yet we neglect to check our fears to keep them from plaguing our peace.

We labor together to stop the reach of a virus.

But allow our worry to wreak havoc on our souls.

We take precautionary measures to protect our bodies.

Yet we ignore the need to preserve our heart and minds from panic.

What if we did both? Work to end the pandemic of both disease and dread, the advancement of both pathogen and panic.

Whether or not you think it is time to hoard toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and canned goods, it is always a good time to stockpile truth. Here are six Psalms that remind us of who God is and what we can hold on to.

God is our very present help, our safe place, and our strength.

Psalm 46:1–3

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. Selah

Our Deliverer hears our prayers and acts in His perfect timing.

Psalm 34:4–5

I sought the LORD, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.

Our Good Shepherd is near and always provides what we need.

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

God is trustworthy. We have nothing to fear.

Psalm 56:3–4

When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?

Psalm 27:1

The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

We must trust in God’s steadfast love for us more than the efforts of mankind.

Psalm 118:4–8

Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His steadfast love endures forever.”
Out of my distress I called on the LORD;
the LORD answered me and set me free.
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.
What can man do to me?
The LORD is on my side as my helper;
I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD
than to trust in man.

When we choose God as our shelter, fear dissipates.

Psalm 91:1–6

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.