Raise your hand if you’re just a little freaked out by the latest deadly outbreak! Oh, come on….you can be honest here. The coronavirus is scary.
The truth is, I’m normally the first person freaking myself out and needing to be talked off the ledge. This time, however, I have peace. That’s not to say I’m not concerned, but I’m not running amok like my hair’s on fire like usual. Is it time to take away my hypochondriac card?
Perhaps it’s that I’ve been praying the Psalms lately…or maybe it’s simply supernatural grace. Either way I’m grateful not to be biting my nails to the nub with worry–even though we’re heading directly to a place with a confirmed case. After all, who of us can add an hour to our lives by worrying? (Matthew 6:27)
One psalm in particular always brings me comfort in these situations–91. Meditating on verse 7 provides holy comfort in ways nothing else can. (BTW, I’m not a theologian, so take my thoughts for what they’re worth!) The takeaway, for me, is to stick close to God, in the shadow of the Almighty.
We all know that bad things, horrific things, can happen even to those who love the Lord. Sometimes especially to those who love the Lord. That said, from the depths of my heart, I believe bad things are sifted through the loving hands of God, and only those things which will make us more like Christ can pass through…caveat: if we let them. Sometimes it feels as though we’re taking the day blow-by-blow, but God’s got this!
In light of this scary new virus, let’s use wisdom instead of walking in fear. Take necessary precautions, without losing peace. Even if you’re a hypochondriac like me, you can choose faith! Because let’s face it, today’s headlines look a lot like Matthew 24, and this isn’t the last nasty virus coming our way.
Today I encourage you: choose faith!
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