Should We Fear This Virus?

Should We Fear This Virus?
 
The fact that we live in a world of fear is demonstrated in our current situation with the Coronavirus. People are panicking in our country. The news of the spread of this virus has triggered a rush on grocery stores and pharmacies. In certain cities there is hardly a bottle of hand sanitizer to be found. Basic food such as pasta and beans are also in short supply. More troublingly, people have also been buying up surgical masks and respirators, despite pleas from experts not to. The World Health Organization says that there are worldwide shortages of masks and other protective equipment, and that puts health care workers’ at risk. People are so afraid about what can happen to them that it cripples their daily life and effects other people. God knew this was the case because the number one instruction from God to humanity is: “Fear not!” If you scour the Bible, that is the number one message. 366 times it says it in the Bible: “Fear not!” One for every day, plus leap year! God does not want His people to live in fear. Joshua 1:9 is a great reminder: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. The word dismayed is not a word we use much, but it comes from a Hebrew word that means discouraged or intimidated. God is saying don’t be afraid or intimidated! That was for Joshua then but applies to our situation today.
 
Psalms 27:1 states: The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? There is no one to fear! (Isaiah 41:10; Genesis 15:1) For believers we are not to fear man. We are not to fear our diseases. We are not to fear our enemies. We are not even to fear life and we are certainly not to fear eternal death as a believer. 1 John 4:18 tells us that God’s love disintegrates fear, There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. What John is talking about is a fear that is tormenting. A fear of judgment for sin. A fear of eternal damnation. But a Christian who loves has nothing to fear and all of that inner torment is gone.
 

While this is one of those difficult times in all our lives what we do in the weeks ahead matters to God. If we choose to be anxious and worry about all that could happen we will displease the heart of God Who says, Do not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). We have to look at what is happening with biblical glasses and understand perilous times will come, but God is with His people. He is looking for us to trust Him and be proactive. We can be wise and protect ourselves, but we do not lose heart. God is in control and no matter what happens on earth we will always be with God. The reality of the situation is that it too shall pass. Hopefully sooner than later. But in the meantime, pray, protect yourself and your family and be proactive in utilizing technology to speak about our sovereign God who alone receives all glory!