Overcoming Fear & Anxiety from Covid-19
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2). Since the Covid-19 broke out a few months ago, many have been overcome with fear, anxiety, depression and despair. Dr. Mike deBoisblanc, the head of trauma at John Muir Medical Center, told local station ABC 7. “I mean, we’ve seen a year’s worth of suicide attempts in the last four weeks” in California. We as believers need not despair. Our hope and anchor is in Christ. Here are a few ways we can overcome our fears and anxiety during these unprecedented times. 1. God is sovereign (Isaiah 45:5-7; Isaiah 46:9-10). God is sovereign and has absolute control over everything. God is in control and nothing happens by accident or chance. This Covid-19 did not catch God by surprise. God knows the end from the beginning. We can rest comfortably in the hands of our sovereign God, knowing that God will work out everything for our good (Rom. 8:28). As Charles Spurgeon put it: “There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that Sovereignty overrules them, and that Sovereignty will sanctify them.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon “When you go through a trial, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which you lay your head.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon 2. God is merciful (Psalm 103:8-14; 1 Cor. 10:13). God is merciful and will not give us more than we can bear or handle. God is there to comfort us and strengthen us through our trials and afflictions. 3. Do not be anxious (1 Peter 5:7; Phil. 4:6-7; Matt. 6:25-36). Do not be anxious about anything. Cast all your cares upon Him for He does indeed care for you (1 Peter 5:7). Do not worry about tomorrow. Do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink or what you will wear. Remember to seek first the kingdom of God and He will add all these things to you (Matt. 6:36). 4. Christ’s peace will sustain you (Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27; John 16:33; Phil. 4:7). Christ’s peace will sustain you. Keep your mind on Christ. Set your mind on things above and not on the things on the earth. He will give you that peace that surpasses all human understanding (Phil. 4:7). 5. Pray! (Matt. 6:7-8; Mark 11:24; 1 Tim. 2:1; 1 John 5:14; 2 Chron. 7:13-14). Do not be anxious but pray. Our prayers avail much (James 5:16). Nothing is too hard for God (Jer. 32:17; 32:27). Pray for God to bring healing to our nation and the world from this pandemic. Pray for our president and governors and for those who are in authority for wisdom and direction. Pray for God to bring about a revival in our nation and turn people’s heart unto Him. Charles Spurgeon said: "The same God that ordains to give a certain blessing has also ordained that we shall pray for it. We do not expect to change the will of God, but we believe our prayer to be a part of his will." ~ Charles H. Spurgeon “Prayer is an essential part of the providence of God, so essential, that you will always find that when God delivers His people, His people have been praying for that deliverance. They tell us that prayer does not affect the Most High, and cannot alter His purposes. We never thought it did; but prayer is a part of the purpose and plan, and a most effective wheel in the machinery of providence.” ~ Charles H. Spurgeon 6. God will never leave you nor forsake you (Psalm 9:10; Heb. 13:5). God will never leave you nor forsake you. He is there with you during this difficult time. Look to Him. Take refuge in Him. 7. Our suffering is only temporary (2 Cor. 4:16-18; Rom. 8:18; 31-39). All our sufferings in this present life is only temporary. God has a glorious future awaiting His children. A place where there will be no more tears, suffering, death (Rev. 21:4). God has a new heaven and a new earth awaiting us (2 Peter 3:13). 8. Take courage (Psalm 27:14; 31:24; Psalm 42:11). Therefore, take courage, O Christian! Do not fear! God is there for you. He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). 9. We have nothing to fear (John 14:1; 2 Tim. 1:7; Rom 8:15; Isaiah 35:4; 41:10; 41:13). As believers in Christ, we have nothing to fear. Our future is secure; our hope is sure and our faith is anchored on Christ, the solid rock. “If God is for us, who can be against us? (Rom. 8:31). Nothing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom. 8:35-39). We have nothing to fear – even death itself! To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8). “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). 10. The Importance of the Word of God and Prayer (Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 119:114; 165; John 15:7; Eph. 6:18). During this time of anxiety and uncertainty, it is of utmost importance that we constantly meditate on the Word of God and “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). This is the only way that we can renew our hope and nothing in the world will shake our confidence in God and in His promises. Applications 1. How have you grown in your walk with God during this pandemic? Have you learned to lean upon Him more? 2. Are you anxious and fearful about tomorrow or are you fully trusting in our sovereign, loving God?
0 Comments
|
AuthorPeter Sarkis Archives
November 2020
Categories
All
|