Dear Lovely Reader,
I hope you are well. A quarter into 2020 and so much has happened already worldwide. Recent events globally have screamed tragedy, death, fear, heartbreak and terror. I hope your personal lives are not reflecting the above. If your life is I pray that the God of peace and mercy will pour out his supernatural comfort and love upon you. Cry out to the Lord as “He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” – Psalm 34:18.
One thought has been replaying in my mind for the past few weeks and now with the covid-19 pandemic has spiralled further. Worldwide fear. From the Australian wildfires to rumours of WW3, earthquakes and strange weather patterns. Great swarms of locusts in East Africa and the Middle East to the death of reputable figures such as Kobe Bryant and now the virus outbreak. It feels as if the world is shaking and is submerged in fear.
Over the past few weeks we have seen the best of humankind with people singing in unison across balconies in Italy and Spain, charitable groups ensuring the most vulnerable are cared for and humour on social media. However, I feel as if this pandemic has also revealed the worst of humanity. We have seen unhealthy fear that has plagued the hearts and minds of people and has resulted in chaos, selfishness, greed and evil (scamming on a whole other level).
I won’t lie and say I have not been fearful because I have and probably you have and are feeling this way now. It is normal for us be afraid at this time. A new strain of virus rapidly spreading and taking lives which is unknown to the medical world with no vaccine. This is a kind of healthy fear and we should take this pandemic seriously and follow all necessary guidelines to ensure we protect ourselves, others, the healthcare system and those who are key workers. Guidelines and advice can be found here and here.
I want to stress that it is vital WE DO NOT STAY AFRAID. Fear results in chaos and suppresses our physical and mental health. This is not how God wants us to live or react to situations. This life we live will be full of trouble just as Jesus said but He encouraged us not to succumb to fear but to “take heart because he has overcome the world” – John 16:33.
The word of God says
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, of love and a sound mind”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
So….how should we react? I encourage you to react on faith and not fear. Faith is “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” – Hebrews 11:1.
Faith is the opposite of fear. Things may look on the downside now, but choose to have boundless hope within your heart and mind that soon this world will be in better place. A big part of faith is a sound mind, something each human needs now more than ever before.
A sound mind is formed of wisdom (use common sense to take precautions) and the peace of God. To cultivate a sound mind, I encourage you to get into the word of God, listen to worship music and pray.
With most cities across the world on lockdown, we have more free time. This is a time that I believe the world should be seeking the face of God more than ever before and praying for mercy, healing and the peace of God to reign upon the earth. Instead of switching the news on or scrolling through your social feeds as soon as you wake up, start with prayer. This will keep your mind focused on God and bring true peace to your life.
Hold onto this promise: “God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in him”. – Isaiah 26:3
When people see that you are operating in peace, it will encourage them to do the same because…..
‘A frightened world needs fearless people’ – A W Tozer
I hope this encourages you.
Stay safe. Peace and every good blessing be yours always in Jesus Name. Amen
-Josie x
Very well said & so encouraging! Thanks Josie X