Fear… Anxiety… Worry… Despair… Uncertainty…. Our planet has an abundance of these feelings that seems to increase with each diagnosed covid-19 (coronavirus) case. Is fear to be the most prevalent emotion in our future?
Not for one who believes the Bible! Not for a child of God Who trusts the One Who calms the storms of life! Consider the following gospel story if you’re struggling with feelings of fear.
“One day Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Let us go over to the other side of the lake.’ So they got into a boat and set out.
As they sailed, He fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.
The disciples went and woke Him, saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’
He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.
‘Where is your faith?’ He asked His disciples.
In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.'” (Luke 8: 22 – 25)
Just as surely as this world often has fearful circumstances, the Bible is filled with verses to comfort and reassure us when we are fearful. We can trust the One Who commands the winds and water, the One they obey, and the One Who promised to never leave us. No one cares for us like Jesus, and no one can give peace that passes all human understanding like He can.
The disciples should have taken hope in the fact that Jesus said, “Let US go over to the other side of the lake.” He was with them in the boat, and there’s the hope. Yet we sometimes overlook the fact that He’s with us as well (if we know Him as Savior and Lord).
Let’s remember He is with us and look to Him to either calm our storm OR to calm us. If he does not take the storm away, then He will be with us in it. His Word is true, and He is faithful. I will trust Him, and I will not fear.
There are hundreds of verses that show He does not want us to live in fear. We need to be familiar with them. We need to read, memorize, and quote these verses often then repeat as needed. This action will strengthen our faith and increase our hope.
Know faith; no fear. Know fear; no faith. To choose faith is to choose hope.
“Do not fear” does not mean to be foolhardy. Heed warnings and take safety precautions when possible. Don’t panic. Don’t stress out. Be wise. Pray, and as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 instructs, “Pray without ceasing.”
God’s got this pandemic problem — and everything else. This knowledge gives hope. Try Him… trust Him… receive hope. Be a strong and courageous example in this fearful world.
“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4)
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)