Living Without Fear During The Pandemic
Southaven, Ms
By: Mike Upchurch
Are you living in fear these days during the shutdown of the Country and with it the economy? Do you fear contracting the Coronavirus? Do you fear falling into poverty with loss? Do you fear the Government taking your freedoms?
There are some these days with those and other fears that keep them awake at night. They fear the future and what might happen. I understand that. To look at the death tolls, the economy, the closure of many small businesses, the loss of jobs, it’s easy to be overcome with fear and worry. But what did Jesus say about worry…..
“And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:27
As we’ve said before, worry is a sin. And worry won’t do anything to solve the problems we face. It won’t change anything but you, adding stress to your life and decreasing your health and life expectancy! Worry never solved a single problem!
Because of our nature though, it is FAR easier for us to worry than it is to have bold faith. I get that.
But what is worry as far as Christianity is concerned? Simply put, it’s a lack of faith. If you don’t trust God to deliver you from the things you fear, then your faith isn’t strong enough in that area. Your faith MUST overcome your fear.
The phrase “fear not” is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible. As a matter of fact the ONLY thing we’re told to fear is God…..
“But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, He’s the one to fear.”
Luke 12:5
And of course there are those who fear the devil and his demons and what they think he can do to them. But if that’s you, please remind yourself that NO created being (satan) can EVER defeat his Creator (God)! As the apostle John said…..
“…..greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
I realize I may not be able to undo your fears with a column, but I do want you to pause and reflect on whatever you fear concerning the Pandemic were in. And I want you to ask yourself this question…..
“Is there any scenario I can think of where God won’t protect me or deliver me if I ask Him to?”
If you answered yes, then that’s really the crux of the matter. You may have fear because you feel as though God doesn’t really love you, and that He won’t deliver you or protect you from the virus or poverty. If that describes you, then you must learn to accept the unconditional love the Lord has for you! You must know He isn’t angry with you over sin if you’ve repented. That sin is gone! As far as the east is from the west!
He DOES LOVE YOU! You must face your fears, and through prayer and study of the word, you must learn the promises of God concerning His protection. You need to arrive at that place where you have overcome your fear with faith in your God to protect you. Remind yourself that without faith you cannot please the Father…..
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6
It’s a very real dilemma to be in fear. I know rock solid Christians who have genuine fear of the times we’re in. They might fear losing their job. They may fear getting sick. They may fear for their children and their well being. But if you’re honestly trusting the Lord, you should know He can protect you. It’s called TRUST!
The concrete truth is God WILL be there for you if you will trust Him. He CAN provide for you and He CAN deliver you! He CAN keep you safe from the virus and see to it you have the material things you may need. Remember these biblical promises as you ponder your own fear…..
“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?”
Matthew 6:25-26
“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Exodus 14:14
“Do not fear them, for the LORD your God is the one fighting for you.’”
Deuteronomy 3:22
“For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.”
Deuteronomy 20:4
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. You will seek those who quarrel with you, but will not find them, those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’”
Isaiah 41:10-13
“The righteous cry, and the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”
Psalms 34:17-19
And my favorite verses concerning His protection are found in the 91st psalm, a psalm most feel was written by Moses. Moses certainly knew something about the protection and deliverance of God…..
“This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you.”
Psalms 91:2-7 NLT
Memorize those verses in that Psalm! Especially verse 3…..
“For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.”
That’s a true promise for the times we’re in!
As are the rest of those verses! Do whatever it takes to get to that place in your heart where you believe they are for YOU! Whatever your fear is let faith rise up inside you in your spirit man, and overcome your fear with faith! Faith in God! Be fearless and be MORE than a conqueror, because your God IS your deliverer and He IS on your side! Always!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
