While purchasing ribs at the Farmer’s Market this week, the vendor lamented that someone stole his vat of hand sanitizer. People are more out of control than the corona virus – especially in Florida, home to the most susceptible. Fear-based thinking will almost always result in some very unwise decisions and even worse behavior. There’s a reason Do Not Be Afraid is the most frequent command in the Bible – 366 times in one form or another. One for every day of the year including leap year. God knows we are a fearful lot. Christ came to assuage our fear by offering Himself as the antidote.
Lord knows there’s plenty to fear in this world. The problems you were facing prior to this outbreak haven’t gone away. If anything, they’ve probably been compounded by it. However, it’s what we do with our fear that defines us. The greatest form of worship is surrendering our fear to the only One who has the power to replace it with His perfect peace.
Choosing to study the Bible and develop a relationship with God is always a wise decision because it prepares us for such a time as this. Trusting God during good times is easy. Trusting God in a crisis comes from knowing who He is and what He has done in the past – for you and for others.
The ‘scarcity psychology’ of people’s reaction to the virus is fascinating. What are they hoarding? Toilet paper. Seriously? People are suffering around the world, and being able to wipe your bum is your biggest concern? Is there some protective power in TP that I’m not aware of? Thankfully, there’s no scarcity in God’s economy. His peace is available to all who seek it. If you want to hoard, stock up on quiet time with God instead of inflammatory news or TP. The result will relieve the scarcity mentality because you will want to share His peace with others. Let us spread our hope and confidence in God instead of mass hysteria. It’s our thoughts we need to keep clean, not our derrieres. Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
I’m no Pollyanna. Things are bad and are going to get worse. There’s no denying that reality. God has given us brains which He expects us to use to behave responsibly to protect ourselves (and others) as best we can. At some point, however, we need to leave it in His hands. There’s a huge difference between concern and panic. Concern leads to caution, panic leads to chaos.
Social distancing may be the key for preventing further contamination of the virus, but it doesn’t apply to God. Now more than ever we need to draw near to Him so we can be comforted by His presence. We need to pour out our concerns and anxious thoughts so He can replace them with His peace. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Are you choosing to focus on the problem or the power and sovereignty of the One that will walk you through this crisis? What will you allow to reign in your life – fear or faith?
In closing, I think we can all relate to David’s prayer in Psalm 23 because it certainly feels like we are surrounded by the shadow of death. He got through it and so will we. Our only choice is how and who we will travel with on the journey. I choose Christ always. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you (Psalm 56:3).
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.
Psalm 23:4
Some of my go-tos for challenging times:
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).
So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid (Hebrews 13:6).
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears (Psalm 34:4).
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy (Psalm 94:19).
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid (John 14:27).
Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).