Concerns about Coronovirus COVID-19 are running amok and the fear frenzy is starting to escalate. Face masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers fly off the shelf, and people prepare to isolate. With all of the hype, I️ have noticed one thing…FEAR IS HAVING A HEYDAY! And all of us know that fear is an emotion that can result in restless nights, irrational behavior, stress, and other health implications. So what would it look like to be fearless?
WRECKED BY FEAR
It saddens me to see so many are wrecked by the onslaught of fear recently. And so I️ thought today it might be helpful to remind us what God’s Word has to say about it. We are told about 365 times to “Fear Not” because God is in control of all of the details. We can stand assured that “He’s got this!” Nothing takes Him by surprise. God has all of the nitty-gritty details planned out and each day unfolds accordingly.
We start to feel fearful when we anticipate what’s coming next and from our vantage point, it doesn’t look good. Thus, we ruminate. And we fixate. We mull it over and over in our heads. Watch the news and feel our pulse rise. Think about the worst-case scenario.
FEAR OF DYING
I️ suppose in light of the most recent news, we are afraid of dying. If not for ourselves, then of someone we love. We cannot imagine life without them. And so we let our imagination run wild and let the movie camera get stuck on go…however, it’s no Bueno living this way. Fear of the unknown can besiege us.
FEAR EXPOSES OUR UNBELIEF
God’s Word is more precious than gold because it has prepared us for this very moment. It reminds us over and over and over again that heaven is waiting for us. God also knew that we would have fears, and comforts us with resounding truth.
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 41:10Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Jn 14:1-3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Matt. 10:29-31
Since his days are determined,
and the number of his months is with you,
and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass, Job 14:5My times are in your hand; Ps. 31:15
UNBELIEF IS PARALYZING
Fear is such a debilitating emotion and roots out our lack of trust in God. Unbelief can be paralyzing. Wouldn’t you much rather trust? Trust that God has you and your kids and your situation in the palm of His hand. That nothing is too big for Him to handle. He is working all things together for your good…even now. Take a step of faith and believe it.
Prayer: Dear God, we confess today that we are holding tightly to fear and it doesn’t feel good. It consumes our thoughts and behaviors, and quite honestly, we’re tired of living entrenched in it. Help us hold our lives more loosely and allow you to work freely in us.