Lately on the news and even on social media there has been a lot of information going around about the coronavirus. Some of the information is true while other parts could be lies and most likely a few rumors as well. Regardless of what type of information is spreading around people are becoming fearful. When fear sets in people begin to panic.
Everyone Fears Sometimes
Everyone has been fearful of something during their lifetime. During my childhood I feared things like unleashed dogs, reading aloud in school, and roller coasters.
Even as a teenager I had some fears. I feared my teachers would call on me at any minute to answer a question. Another fear was getting into trouble, which was probably a good fear. ๐ Being alone at school made me fearful, because I was somewhat of a shy person. Apparently fears do change over the years because I enjoy my alone time now.
Sometimes I wonder if we have more fears the older we get or less. Adults for example can have fears about their children, getting cancer, growing old, losing a job, lack of income, disasters, and the list goes on and on. Life is full of things to fear, but we do not have to be afraid.
We Can Trust God
We can trust God to take care of us completely no matter what fear we have to face in life. Why? Because He loves us.
God loves us. He knows everything about us. He even knows how many hairs are upon our heads. The Bible says His thoughts about us outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore. We will never experience a love more greater and more deeper than the love God has for each one of us. When we live in His love our fears will vanish.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
We Can Stop Fearing
The Bible commands us not to fear. Surprisingly, the words “Fear not!” are mentioned in the Bible 365 times which is one for each day of the year. Don’t you think if the creator of the entire universe is telling us over and over not to fear we can rest in knowing He will take care of us. I think so. ๐
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
We Can Know God is With Us
As children of God we can have the assurance that God is with us. It is a deep knowing that everything is going to be okay no matter what happens because God is walking with us.
The other night my 2 year old grandson spent the night. We both slept in the guest room. He was in the pack and play and I was in the bed. During the night he woke up suddenly and said my name. It was very dark in the room and it was only his second time to spend the night at my house. I responded with, “I am here.” After I said those three simple words he could easily fall back to sleep. To me it was a beautiful example of the peace we can experience just knowing someone who loves us is near.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
We Can have Peace
Peace is possible even in hard situations. As believers in Jesus we know what lies ahead when this life is over. We do not fear leaving this world someday. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. There are many accounts throughout history of Christ’s followers who have been in hard situations and remained at peace. This peace does not come from ourselves it comes from the peace Jesus has placed within us. His peace replaces worry with trust.
Peace I leave with you; my own peace I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27
We will make it through. God is with us always.
Blessings,
Tina