What were you doing a month ago? How life changed in such a short amount of time. A month ago, I attended a wedding and celebrated time with family and friends. We heard about a virus in a faraway land, but we never expected the impact it would have on us. The COVID-19 fears spread as fast as the disease itself. So how can we calm our fearful hearts as we isolate ourselves away from our regular life?
Fear of Shortages
The news reports of shortages in supplies like toilet paper, etc. Many of these issues come from people over buying and hoarding items just in case. But, as Christians, the Bible cautions us against this kind of thinking. Let’s look at an example:
Luke 12:15-21, “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Another verse explains God’s thoughts toward hoarding. 1 Timothy 5:8 tells us: “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Sharing is a fundamental tenant of our faith. Christian love means we share instead of hoarding. When we share, God promises to provide for us. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19).
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
Hebrews 13:16
COVID-19 Fear of Isolation
God made humans for relationships. But now, this virus forces us to hide away in our homes. We feel cut off from our family and friends, at least physically. Many of us can’t even attend church. God can seem far away as we distance ourselves socially. But, our hearts deceive us into thinking He has left us too. But Matthew reminds us we are never alone in verse 28:20, “and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God is always with us.
As I researched information for this blog, I found this article. I hope it helps you too, https://www.amazingfacts.org/news-and-features/news/item/id/12018/t/9-bible-promises-for-when-you-re-feeling-lonely Other ideas for feeling connected include:
Ways to Connect
- Call friends
- Write a card or letter to friends
- Hold a virtual watch party for a favorite movie or church service
- Use social media to read to grandchildren or other kids
- Participate in an online community
- Wave to neighbors or those passing by your house
- Stream a class or Bible study
- Spend time in prayer
Stay connected with God, friends, and family, so isolation does not lead to depression. Remember to check on the sick and elderly. Together, with God, we will get through this.
Fear of the future
As the pandemic spreads, I see people use Isaiah 26:20 in an attempt to explain these difficult times. The verse says, “Come, my people, enter your rooms and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourselves for a little while until the fury has passed by.” Some use this verse to look at the virus as a punishment from God. But, in the study of Isaiah, we find that it means something different. Isaiah wants us to understand that Christians are not exempt from suffering in this world. When terror strikes at us, Isaiah tells us to turn to God by entering into His presence. He is our strong tower of safety. We can’t waste time worrying about why something is happening in the world. It is time to turn back to God.
Tomorrows
We are not promised tomorrow here on earth. But God promises to be with us always, no matter what happens. Romans 8:18 reminds us, “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” If we suffer now, we know our eternity awaits with God in Heaven. The Bible reveals God’s words of comfort to us during difficult times. Seeking God in His Holy Word will prepare our hearts for the future no matter what comes our way.
“Do 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.”
Philippians 4:6-7.
Blessings,
Yvonne M Morgan, #Blogger, #Speaker, #Writer
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, go to help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc
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Fear of the unknown can cause many people to stress and be anxious. I am thankful God has given us His Word and the ability to share conversation with Him at any moment.
Thanks Melissa. It helps me so much to be able to go to God with my worry and fears. Praying you are safe during this pandemic. God Bless.
I am so thankful that God is with us always.
Me too. Thanks Julie and please stay safe during this pandemic. God bless.
A month ago, we were restocking food, medicines, toiletries, go-bag items for this.
Good for you. We started preparing about 2 weeks ago but no over buying.
Stay safe and God bless
Right now, it is hard to buy food due to long queues, social distancing, and lockdown.
Praying for you
Thank you Yvonne. That is why it is good to stock for the long haul. GOD bless Yvonne!
Timely topic.
Thanks and stay safe. God bless
I love this scripture: “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.” And what we suffer now pales in comparison to what so many faithful have suffered before us–or what others suffer now. I have a friend–a young woman with a faithful husband and two very young children. I am expecting to hear of her death at any moment. What we suffer is miniscule. Thanks for encouraging. God bless!
Praying for your friend and her family during these difficult times. Be safe and God bless
Thanks for this message, Yvonne. When you asked what was I doing a month ago, it reminded me how everyone remembers what we were doing and where we were the day of 911. This pandemic will no doubt bring the same kind of memories to our mind when we look back one day. I saw a meme the other day that said “I don’t think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks earlier this month, we’d go from standard time to the Twilight Zone.” That pretty much says it all. This caught us off guard, but not God.
Yup, it does feel like an episode of Twilight Zone because of how quickly everything changed. It makes me realize how little control I have over my life. God is my hope. Thanks. Stay safe and God bless
This is a much needed message, Yvonne. God is with us, on the mountaintops and in the valleys. Though we should be wise and discerning, we should not be selfish. May we trust in God, the One who holds all our tomorrows. Thank you for this word of encouragement in this difficult time!
Thanks for your encouragement today too. Be safe and God bless
I’m feeling really called right now to SHARE even (and especially) if it hurts. Thanks for this encouragement!
God always blesses us and provides for us when we share what we have. All we have was given to us by God anyway. Be safe and God bless