Turning Mountains into Molehills - COVID-19 Fears
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.”
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. Click To Tweet
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.
God can seem far away as we distance ourselves socially. But, our hearts deceive us into thinking He has left us too. God is always with us. Click To Tweet
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.
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. Click To Tweet
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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