The coronavirus has our senses on high alert. The news reports are delivered with great urgency in voice and facial expression. The internet is abuzz with fearful apocalyptic predictions. For the first time in my lifetime, there is a global sense of fear that this could become a pandemic like the Black Death or Great Plague of Europe which claimed the lives of millions in the 14th century. Whether the fear is warranted or not, the illness is very real and affecting the lives of people in many ways—emotional, physical, psychological, financial and practical. The stock market volatility and the rush to buy common items like toilet paper and paper towels, cleaning supplies and face masks is remarkable.
So, the words “don’t panic” seem misplaced—like telling a fire not to burn. It would probably be abnormal not to be alarmed. However, the faith that we take up in following Christ is just that abnormal! It is rooted in the Judeo-Christian perspective—to place your faith in God and not worry.
Over and over, the New Testament writers reported instances when Jesus counseled people not to be anxious. On a boat in danger of sinking in a violent storm, he asked the disciples with wonder, “Why are you afraid?” And the disciples wondered that he asked such a question! Who wouldn’t be afraid? But, Jesus was not. He had been asleep in the stern of the boat until they aroused him in wild hysteria! He slept in complete confidence in God (Matthew 8:25-27).
Time after time, he told people “do not fear” and “do not be anxious.” In the appearances of angels recorded in scripture, they spoke those same words: “Do not be afraid.” The Psalms also call forth strong confidence in God as our Deliverer, Protector and Guide through all of life’s challenges. Instead of worrying, the Psalmist took a stand in faith like Jesus. Psalm 91 offers us a great place to begin in praying for strength and courage for the living of these days:
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.
A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you . . . If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge – then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent . . .
‘Because he loves me, says the Lord, I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.’”
Much of the Psalms were written in poetic language, utilizing metaphor, so it is important to receive the blessing of scripture without getting caught up in literal interpretations. This does not mean that people of faith hold a “get out of jail free card.” But, it does mean that people of faith know in their hearts that God is a loving, merciful God of Omnipotent and Sovereign Power—He is in touch with our sufferings and attuned to our prayers.
In Jesus’ teachings, the parable of the talents gives us an important lesson. In the story, a landowner or proprietor went on a journey and left his servants in charge of his property, with varying degrees of responsibility. When he returned, they gave an account of their stewardship and were rewarded according to their faithfulness and success. One who was not rewarded admitted that he was afraid and thought the Master was “a hard man”—so he was fearful of losing what had been entrusted to him and hid it until the master returned (Matthew 25:14–27).
The two lessons here are: 1) fear can get in the way of reasonable action, and 2) our view of God can get in the way of faith that leads us to act in faithful ways. If we have little faith in God or view Him as a menacing, judgmental figure, we will not expect good things from Him. We will have nothing to keep us from being fearful. Jesus told people who were seeking healing, “It will be done unto you according to what you have believed” (Matthew 8:13, 9:22 NIV). Faith is a requirement in our seeking of God’s Goodness. As the author of Hebrews said, we must “ believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. ” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV).
The moral of this story is to believe God is Good, earnestly seek Him, ask for His help and guidance, and trust that He will answer. That is a much more positive way to approach the current global crises—and one that can yield great benefits in wise decisions for wellbeing throughout our lives. Trust God and don’t panic. It will be well with your soul. God gave you your life and holds you in His care forever, no matter what happens on this earth.
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This Post Has 6 Comments
Thank you Julia!
Thanks for Shariing Psalm 91 o e of my favorite scriptures Thanks for reminding us that God is in Control of our lives, and We must Trust
Thank you Julia for the words of encouragement as we travel through
these uncertain time in our lives.
Thank you Julia for the words of encouragement as we travel through
these uncertain time in our lives.
Thank you Julia! I love reading your words of wisdom based on God’s Word!
I appreciate your heart-warming comments and hope you will share the posts with others. May your faith in God comfort your hearts in these troubling times.