Faith Over Fear

“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?” – Psalm 27:1

There is a lot of fear these days due to the coronavirus, especially when it hits close to home. When people you know become ill from covid-19 and become hospitalized, anxieties rise as more precautions are taken to slow the spread of the virus. Listening to or reading the news also heightens concerns as statistics relate the rising occurrences of the virus and the number of deaths in nearby communities. Additionally, when we have to wear masks when going out, and it becomes difficult to obtain items from stores that we deem necessary for daily living, fears escalate.

In the midst of this pandemic, we must never lose sight of the One is really in control. When we remember that God is not only aware of what is happening, but He is allowing it to happen to accomplish His purposes, our fears will subside. It is critical to remember that this virus did not catch God off guard, and He is not sitting up in heaven scratching His head, wondering what to do. Instead, the Bible reminds us that it is God who holds the world in His hands. “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.” (Psalm 95:3-5). Nothing happens without His knowledge of it and His allowance of it. We are His creation, and we belong to Him. “The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalm 24:1) Never forget that God will care for what belongs to Him (Psalm 121).

His plans are unfolding before us to accomplish His purpose even when we don’t understand what is happening. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” God knows what tomorrow holds for each of us, and it will come to fruition despite the coronavirus. “The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:” (Isaiah 14:24)

Furthermore, we must remember that we do not have the mind of God. His ways are so much higher than our own. Just because we cannot understand why He allows certain things to happen, does not mean He has lost control. Quite the contrary! Everything happens according to God’s plan. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:9)

Regardless of what the media says about the coronavirus, we can have peace in our souls when we remember that the Lord remains in control of all things, and continues to care for His children as only He can do. Trust Him in all things, for He is faithful to do all that He has promised in His Word. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” (Hebrews 10:23)

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father;
there is no shadow of turning with thee;
thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not;
as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see:
all I have needed thy hand hath provided–
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me

(from “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Thomas O. Chisholm)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

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“But was you not afraid, good sir, when you see him come with his club?”

“It is my duty,” said he, “to distrust mine own ability, that I may have reliance on Him that is stronger than all.” – John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress