I’m writing this blog from the safety of our home during the Covid-19 pandemic. The world is suddenly very different. We are on a statewide lockdown on executive order from our governor. The shelves at our local grocery store are nearly empty of many essential products, the availability of which we have heretofore taken for granted. I have even heard one report of senior citizens shoving one another trying to get the last package of toilet paper at a local store. It seems I am not the only one who can say with all sincerity that I never saw this coming.
Judging by the reactions people have had to this pandemic, there is a lot of fear in the air. To a large extent, it’s fair to say people are just following expert recommendations by wearing gloves as they shop for groceries or pump their gasoline; or when they avoid each other and keep their “social distance.” But one can also sense the fear people have. The constant barrage of information in the various media outlets certainly serves the good purpose of making us all aware of the situation and the suggested precautions we should take, but this continuous stream of coverage can also drive fear.
Is it right to have such fear? Well, I’m no expert, but to some extent I think yes, and yet to another extent, probably not. Certainly we should follow the guidelines laid out by those trained to provide such information, and we should have a healthy respect for the danger the novel coronavirus brings to ourselves and others around us. Without question, the risk that we might spread it to others, some of whom may be more at risk than ourselves, should provide plenty of motivation to alter our behaviors and habits. But do we live in fear?
For the Christian, who has placed themselves in the capable hands of the Almighty God of the universe, should we not choose faith over fear? While we should follow the recommendations made by medical professionals and obey the laws of our governments, none-the-less we also trust in a Holy God who is capable of much more than we could ever hope or imagine. As it is written in 1 John 4:18: perfect love expels all fear.
One of my favorite Bible events is when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are confronted for not following Nebuchadnezzar’s rules for worshipping the statue he made. They are facing the most powerful person on earth at the time, with the fiery furnace before them, and they do not back down. They show their complete trust in the Lord by saying, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.” (Daniel 3:17) They go on to say, in verse 18, that even if God doesn’t save them, they will not comply. Why are they able to have such faith? Go back and read all of 1 John 4. You will find the answer there in verses 16 & 17.
So in any and every situation, we should take prudent actions, but our faith is always in God who, through Christ Jesus, has made us his children. And with this in mind, I want to offer to you the words of Psalm 91, and I pray they encourage you and give you confidence as you walk through these uncertain times. Read through them slowly and pray over them. These promises are real, tangible and life giving!
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”
I’ll also share these words from Paul, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)
May you feel God’s presence and learn to lean on him more and more. And if you have not yet made the decision to trust in Jesus, may you do so now. There has never been a better time! Just tell him about your mistakes and ask him to forgive you. The Bible tells us that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and in Romans 10:9-10 it says, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.”
And if you have decided to place your faith in Jesus today, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment or drop us an email at: ReignDropsBlog@gmail.com
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