“What am I going to do? I am
scared to go out anywhere for fear of getting sick!” “Our family is separated
and we can’t be with each other.” “My kids/spouse are … we have too much
togetherness.” You have heard such comments or ones like them; perhaps you have
had the same thoughts at times. We are living in times of great uncertainty and
with that comes the tendency to worry and be anxious. However, with every
crisis there is opportunity. We can “draw near to God and he will draw near to us.”
(Jas. 4:8a) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
(PS. 46:1)
To begin with, each of us is
responsible before God for our thoughts, words, deeds and attitudes. (Mark
7:21-23) Therefore, let us assume the responsibility to think and act from a
biblical perspective. From ancient times until now life has always been full of
challenges. Jesus said it would be: “I have said these things to you, that in
me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I
have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Troubles are nothing new for humanity so
that is an important perspective on our times and for what we are experiencing.
So, with that truth, what do we do? How can we find hope?
I propose three things. As stated
above, take responsibility to act proactively. We must not expect others to do
for us what God expects us to do for ourselves. Do the right thing regardless
of your feelings. Secondly, look up…God is Creator of heaven and Earth. He is
sovereign. Look to Him for comfort and peace. How, you might ask? Talk to Him
in prayer. Read Scripture. The Psalms are especially helpful to soothe one’s
spirit. Try this for comfort and encouragement: read the Psalm that corresponds
to today’s date. Write down what God reveals to you about who He is, what He is
like, what He does. Then add the 30 to the number of the day of the month and
read that Psalm. Write down what God reveals to you as you did in the first
Psalm you read. Then add 30+30+30 until you have read 5 Psalms. On the 31st,
read Psalm 119. The equation looks like this: read Psalm numbered by today’s
date (example: 10), plus 30(40), plus 30 (70), plus 30 (100), plus 30 (130).
End your reading with praising God for Who He is, (Lord, King, Creator,
Shepherd, etc), what He is like (compassionate, tender, mighty, a shelter, an
anchor, etc.), and what He does (He leads, He creates, He calms, He heals, etc.)
God speaks primarily through His Word. Ask Him to do so to you, Christian friend.
He will. Psalm 22:3-5: ”You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In
you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they
cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”
And thirdly, reach out to others.
Many are experiencing similar thoughts and feelings. Seek to show them God’s
love. Listen well. We are not in this pandemic alone. The whole world is rocked
by it. So use this time to share the love and message of Christ with others; they
need hope…they need someone to tell them about Christ if they do not know Him.
They need encouragement as do we.
So, take responsibility to act proactively to God’s call in this
crisis. Remember: in every crisis there is opportunity. Look up and reach out.
Do these three practical things and experience God; your trust and faith in Him
will grow and it is faith that kicks anxiety to the curb. These steps will
enable you to look up and see God in His majesty and glory and power, and to
reach out to others to bless them. God is up to something good here. Perhaps He
is calling us back to Himself. Let’s heed His call.
