With all the media frenzy going on about the coronavirus, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and fearful. I’ve seen the fear, heard the worry, and gotten frustrated by how people are acting.
Run!
It’s after me!!!!!
But there’s something we all need to remember
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
I’m sure most of us have memorized that verse and can quote it glibly, but have you stopped to think about it lately? Let’s take a quick look at this verse.
Fear is defined as: A painful emotion marked by alarm, extreme awe, or anticipation of danger; agitation or revulsion caused by forebodings, fright, dread.
This is not from God. He says in His Word over 200 times not to be afraid, to fear not. If He says it that many times, I think we need to start paying attention.
But we all know that we can’t take one feeling away without replacing it with another. So what HAS God given us?
Power:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
If God gives us the strength to do ALL things, that must include not being afraid.
Love:
But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23
Is your life showing the fruits of the spirit when you are fearful? Are you getting frustrated by changes of plans? I know it can be difficult, but remember who gave us the Power to do ALL things.
A Sound Mind:
What is a sound mind? I think it’s pretty easy to know what it is when you read this next verse.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3
If we keep our minds focused on Christ, on what He wants us to do and act, He will keep us. No, this does not mean that you won’t get the virus, nor does it mean that your plans will all work out, but He will give power, love and a sound mind when we refuse to let fear rule us. We have to make a choice: are we going to live in fear and dread of what might happen? Or are we going to live in the power and love of Christ with a sound mind focused on what is true and right?
The choice is up to you.
If you are struggling with fear haunting your mind, I want to challenge you to start looking up the verses in the Bible that say fear not or not to be afraid. Find out what the Lord gives as reasons for not fearing.
Yes, yes, and yes! We went on a normal grocery run the other day — not to stock up, just because Friday is our grocery day and we needed to refill the pantry and the fridge. And, our family doesn’t watch the news or do much on social media, so we were totally blindsided by all teh empty shelves. I was amazed at what fear is causing in the stores . . . it would have been almost humorous if they weren’t serious.
I read this the other day — I haven’t really read any books by C. S. Lewis, but I liked this quote of his. Just replace “atomic bomb” with coronavrus, and it’s quite applicable =)
“The first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb, when it comes, find us doing sensible and human things — praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts — not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs.”
That quote really does fit this situation.
I’m sure that would have been strange to find so many empty shelves in the store. Fear can make even normally sensible people panic.
This is a great post!! ❤️ Thanks so much for sharing.
You’re welcome!
Finally something about the CV that didn’t instantly make me want to yell “Nobody cares!!!” Our hope and trust is in God and He’s no less powerful just because people have gone on a Toilet paper buying frenzy XD Be smart, wash your hands, avoid sugar (drags your immune system) and cover your mouth when you cough and leave the rest to God ♡♡♡
The media does like to promote fear, but we don’t have to live in fear. God know what He is doing.