Coronavirus Fear: The Proper Perspective

Luke 12:22-31 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on. For life is more than food and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you."

Psalm 73:16-17 "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; than I understood their final destiny."

I have to be honest, the last few days have stirred fear in my heart. I am sure that I am not the only one who has been having fearful thoughts surging through my brain. I have had a hard time balancing being wise and being prepared to feed my huge family for two weeks, and fearing about what all of this means, or could potentially mean, to our family. I have spent too much time reading articles about this virus than reading the Bible and that is where I believe I made my first error. 

This morning I woke up with a song on my mind that I haven't heard for years. The song was "God is in Control" by Twila Paris. Check out these lyrics! These were the words I needed to hear this morning.

This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by the motion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now? (2x)

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

Two hours later, we were sitting in front of our computer enjoying our church service. The message today was exactly the reminder I needed...I need to have a proper perspective on this virus. God had a theme for me today...and it was to trust Him! He reminded me how He has been faithful with Wayne and has brought us so far with his cancer. How could I worry about something outside of my control? He has been faithful to us time and time again, and here I am worrying about Wayne and my kids. 

Below are some of the key points for the sermon this morning that I needed to hear. I'll link the actual sermon at the bottom so you can listen. Maybe this will help you balance the fear in your heart and mind too. We must battle this fear because fear is not from God. He is the author of peace not fear!

When we worry, we aren't trusting God. By not trusting Him, we can be filled with doubt, which could lead to disbelief if left unchecked. Worry is toxic to our souls. It keeps us from experiencing the power, presence, and peace of God. It also robs us of the joy and peace that is available to believers. Worry cannot coexist with joy and peace. Worry also neutralizes discipleship and spiritual growth. It also removes any gospel witness in our lives. As believers, if we are out ransacking the stores for supplies and constantly sharing fearful news, than the world is not going to see anything different in our lives. We have a hope that extends beyond our life here on earth. People around us are desperate. They feel out of control because they are having to face their mortality. I read that the purchasing of goods makes them feel like they have some semblance of control. As believers, this is our chance to rise and be beacons of hope to the world around us. 

1 Peter 3:15 explains this, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give the reason for the hope that you have." We need to be ready to share the HOPE that only Jesus can bring." This tumultuous time is the perfect opportunity to share the hope that we have in Jesus with others.

There are two things we need to remember: 1)we need to keep God in mind and 2) we need to keep the end in mind. 

Just remember this, God is sovereign, omnipotent, merciful, majestic, holy...the list goes on. He has this! Don't worry, but keep Him in mind and the end in mind. When your mind starts to worry and fear, remember that you are the child of the King and that He is still sitting on His throne and is in control.