This week Eric had the privilege of leading his department in devotional time before their weekly department prayer meeting. Not an easy time to have that task, but I thought you’d also be encouraged by his words:
Thoughts of COVID-19
We are living through something that we’ve never experienced before.
Words like unprecedented, unbelievable, armageddon, crazy, and many others have been thrown at this current situation.
One word though that I’ve heard over and over in many news broadcasts, articles, etc more than any other is FEAR.
As one person said, “Our ability to not fear is put to the test.”
What is Fear?
Per Merriam-Webster, Noun – an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger.
further on: a profound reverence and awe especially toward God
But as I thought of fear, I came up with four things I think we should be thinking about during these times:
FEAR acrostic:
F – stands for “Fear not”
Isaiah 41:10 English Standard Version (ESV)
10
fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
We serve a God who is so concerned for us. He has not left us alone. He assures us that He is always with us. He will give us strength to endure. He hols us in His right hand. With that kind of presence of God, what do we have to fear?
E – Eternity
Where is our perspective focused? Is it on the things of this earth or on the greater – eternity w/ God.
Nothing brings you to consider where you have placed your faith more than when the times are tough.
Many are concerned about their investments that have been wiped away.
- Last week I talked to several in the financial markets who are busy trying to care for their customers who have lost so much.
- For many, those losses will likely be recovered in their lifetime
Apostle Paul lived with a different perspective.
Philippians 1:21 English Standard Version (ESV)
21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Luke 12:25-26,34 English Standard Version (ESV)
25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[a] 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
This doesn’t mean we should totally ignore our lives on this earth. We are not to go rest on the mountain looking to heaven and just wait for Him to come. It does mean we need to look with our eyes towards our future, as Christians we will spend eternity w/ God in heaven. And for some, that will mean through death by COVID-19.
A – Adaptable
We have entered a time where we all need to be adaptable. Some days it seems there are changes happening by the minute.
Just look at last week, our family arrived home early Saturday, 3/14, having just come back from our vision trip to Florida. By Sunday, 3/15, I was told I couldn’t come back to the office for 14 days since we had flown through the Atlanta airport (one of the hub cities). On Monday, 3/16, we were all told to prepare for the office shutting down for all but essential personnel by Friday. What a week!
Here we are on 3/23 holding our 1st entirely virtual Monday staff prayer time.
I’m sorry, but I don’t think we are done with having to be adaptable!
2 Kings 22 & 23 – King Josiah (became king at 8 years old). In the 18th year of his reign, he discovers the book of the Law. After it is read he tears his robes because he knows the terrible things that have been done by Israel. He goes on a campaign to change the whole nation of Israel!
Talk about being adaptable!
R – Rejoice
We as Christians need to rise above these fears. We need to shine our lights in these dark times. We need to look different and be prepared to share why we are different.
One of my favorite passages has always been James 1:2-4. And has God been asking me to come back to that a lot over the last two years.
James 1:2-4 English Standard Version (ESV)
2 Count it all joy, my brothers,[a] when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Psalm 97:1,12 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
12
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous,
and give thanks to his holy name!
Fear – how are you handling it?
I end our time with a hymn from the Gettys. A great reminder for us as we weather this latest trial in life.
He Will Hold Me Fast – Keith & Kristyn Getty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsA_UPXnluw
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail, He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold through life's fearful path
For my love is often cold; He must hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast;
Precious in his holy sight, He will hold me fast.
He'll not let my soul be lost; His promises shall last;
Bought by Him at such a cost, He will hold me fast.
He will hold me fast, He will hold me fast;
For my Saviour loves me so, He will hold me fast.
BONUS Song: Fear Is A Liar – Zach Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1srs1YoTVzs – official music video
When he told you you're not good enough
When he told you you're not right
When he told you you're not strong enough
To put up a good fight
When he told you you're not worthy
When he told you you're not loved
When he told you you're not beautiful
That you'll never be enough
Fear, he is a liar
He will take your breath
Stop you in your steps
Fear he is a liar
He will rob your rest
Steal your happiness
Cast your fear in the fire
'Cause fear he is a liar
When he told you were troubled
You'll forever be alone
When he told you you should run away
You'll never find a home
When he told you you were dirty
And you should be ashamed
When he told you you could be the one
That grace could never change
