“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Ps 32:7).

Have you ever had a song running through your mind long after it’s no longer playing? Fun fact: it’s called an earworm.

A few days ago, I took Lilly, my Yorkie companion, for a walk. Rather than listen to a podcast or music, I decided to pay attention to my surroundings and talk to the Lord about the current state of anxiety over coronavirus sweeping the nation.

As I walked, I heard the words, I will trust you, Lord. I will fear no more, playing on a loop in my mind. The funny thing was, I couldn’t remember the last time I had heard the song “I Will Fear No More” by the Afters, which is where those lyrics came from. I hadn’t listened to the radio in four or five days, so it wasn’t recent.

Singing is important in the Bible. David sang his prayers and praise to the Lord in the Psalms. Angels sang, announcing the birth of Jesus. And the Bible says that even God sings over us, his children: “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (Zeph 3:17).

It’s hard not to be anxious in these anxiety-producing times. But when the words of the song playing in my mind registered in my consciousness, I realized God was speaking to me. He was so close, comforting me and reminding me that I’m not in control, and I don’t need to be. He is in control, and I can trust him in the scare of a pandemic and every other situation as well.

Dear Jesus, thank you for reminding me that you are in control and for holding me close and reassuring me of your presence, especially in these difficult times. I pray for your hand of protection and comfort to be with those directly impacted by the pandemic. Amen.