Believers, every day we need a head check and we need a
heart check because what we think governs our emotions. God holds His children
to a high standard of holiness and that standard is largely shaped by our
mental state. What we think governs our actions and our words. Our thoughts are
governed by what we allow to enter our thoughts.
We continue to live in a very unique and challenging
time. There has always been divisiveness within our world, but it has crept
within the body of Christ. There are differing views on the coronavirus and how
the Church should be responding to this viral outbreak. Open Churches or keep
them closed, wear a mask or stay unmasked, stay at home and keep your distance
or stay close to the ones you love.
And, then there’s the spirit of fear that seems to be an
underlying issue.
Fear of getting sick.
Fear of getting close to others.
Fear of loved ones succumbing to the virus.
Fear of dying.
The reality is everyday there is the possibility that
today will be our last day, that we’ll take our last breathe.
The chance of someone dying in a car accident is 1 in 103
and 1 in 9,821 for death in a plane crash.
The chances of dying from heart disease are 1 in 6 and
the chance of death from cancer is 1 in 7.
The probability of flu death is 0.02% and the chances of
dying from the coronavirus infection are 0.5% to 1%.
Let’s face it, death is imminent.
While I don’t know of
many people who desire to face death today, even for believers that long to be
with Jesus, God calls us to live our days on earth with hope, joy, and peace
and not in fear.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I
came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Fear is so immensely crippling and if the adversary can’t
take our salvation (which can never happen because salvation is eternal and
always secure in Christ), he can surely make strides to cause us to live in fear
and disrupt our mental and spiritual state.
What troubles me in this day and time that we’re living
in, God's children, who should serve as beckons of light to the world of faith, courage, and strength, are
instead hiding in the shadows of darkness in a state of worry, fear, and
dismay.
Instead of having thoughts of victory in Christ, knowing
that God has numbered our days and He is sovereign over our life, we can be
tempted to mirror the world in a state of panic and worry. If we stay tuned
into the media 24/7, we can feed into the narrative that death is creeping not
just outside our doors, but right underneath our noses in the form of unseen
viral particles in the local markets, stores, and we could be infected and walk
right into death’s door just from the simple embrace of a friend, a neighbor,
or a loved one.
Surely, the onslaught of this message would cause even
the most courageous and faithful Christian to fear.
I will be the first one to say that I’m guilty of the
temptation of fear and worry and I’ve had to repent of the sinful pattern of
allowing discouraging thoughts to plague me. This is such a slippery slope for
a Christian because left unattended, it can lead believers into depression,
sickness, stress, and bad decision making because your actions are not based on
truth.
My favorite bible verse tells us exactly where we should
keep our minds,
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God
which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ
Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any
excellence, and anything worthy of praise, think on these things. The things
you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things,
and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9)
We should be constantly seeking the Lord for wisdom and
discernment. God calls us to be in the world, but not of the world. The world
should not be our source for guidance and wisdom. It's so interesting that we're living in a time where the Church is having to question and reason whether or not it should open its doors, if the congregation should openly sing worship songs because of viral particles in the air, or if people should meet for Bible study and fellowship.
These challenging discussions should really bring us to our knees in prayer, asking the Lord for discernment as we know that Satan relishes in being able to thwart the work of the Church.
“We know that we are of God,
and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19)
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12)
God has all wisdom and all knowledge. We may never understand why these things are happening this side of Heaven, but God is sovereign and as Jehovah-Sabaoth He reigns above and over all forces both in Heaven and Earth.
Christian brother and sister, don’t allow external circumstances draw you away from your Heavenly Father, His promises for you, and the PEACE that He promises to His children. The news and state of this broken world will continue to fluctuate and change, from one day to the next. God’s Word, the security, and hope that we have in Christ are the only things that will remain the same. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on our Savior and experience mental and spiritual peace even in the midst of trying times.
May these truths bring your heart and mind joy!
“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 right hand. “ (Isaiah 41:10)
“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your
consolations delight my soul. “ (Psalm 94:19)
“Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you
become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help
of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11)
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as
the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, not let it
be fearful.” (John 14:27)
