Focus on Christ, not on the crisis
In times like these, can we believe that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble?
In times like these, when those we know and thousands we don’t know are falling victim to the deadly coronavirus?
We’re living in strange times. Restaurants are closed, movie theaters and malls are empty, and — sheltering at home – a term we’d barely heard a few weeks ago, is commonplace, as is fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
The plague — let’s call it what it is — has disrupted life as we know it and will for the foreseeable future. We now must refocus our attention in useful ways, quickly. How do we do that?
If you don’t believe or understand what God has brought you through before, then it might be hard to see how he’ll bring you through this crisis.
You just might not have realized how God’s hand was on your life. And if it wasn’t or hasn’t been, you surely know that.
If you don’t believe or understand what God has brought you through before, then it might be hard to see how he’ll bring you through this crisis.
The ‘Rona has disrupted life as we know it and will for the foreseeable future. We now must refocus our attention in useful ways, quickly. How do we do that:?
By being smart
Romans 12:2
Philippians 4:7,9
2 Timothy 1:7
Colossians 3:2
Being mindful
John 14:27
James 4:7
Colossians 1:17
1 Peter 2:9
Being prayerful
Psalm 46:1
Deuteronomy 31:8
Philippians 4:6
So in these tumultuous times, be smart, be prayerful and be mindful and know that if you draw close to God & he’ll draw closer to you.
First, let’s be smart, using the gumption God gave use. Be smart:
You’ve got access to the Bible at your fingertips, unlike any previous generation in the history of the world. That’s right. That’s not hype, hyperbole, shade or shiggidy.
It’s the truth, Google it. Widespread information wasn’t available to the ordinary, everyday person until about 120 years ago. That’s including the Bible. So you can look up these references for yourself and help discern the word of God, beginning to understand how to use it to help you in real time, in your life, right now.
Here are the verses:
Romans 12:2
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Philippians 4:7, 9
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. …The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Colossians 3:2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
We could talk about each one of these scriptures by themselves, but I hope you get the point of what I’m trying to say. That God has given us the ability to think beyond what is in plain sight.
Don’t get consumed by the hysteria – which leads to hoarding – but prepare and think about about preparing to be at home for weeks and perhaps months.
Don’t panic. You can gain peace of mind and mental stability by knowing God is in ultimate control amid the chaos. But to do that, you must first understand why that is. There is an answer.
We have the individual power and strength to take active control over some things, even our thinking that drives hoarding and feelings of helplessness.
It is in these chaotic, surreal, even prophetic moments that we must rely on God for clarity and the absolute realization that God is in complete and total control.
We should have a spirit of agape love for our neighbors (known & unknown) because we’re in the same needy circumstance as our brother or sister. Show a little love and it will be returned to you. Call it the karma of chaos. And it works both ways!
Lastly, set your sight not only on what’s before you, but what’s above (heaven) or below (hell). If there is a God, then what happens after we die. That should be as much of a concern to us as what tomorrow holds.
It is in these chaotic, surreal, even prophetic moments that we must rely on God for clarity and the absolute realization that God is in complete and total control.
But because Christians believe God alone is in charge of our lives. He’s your security. And He’s never been out of control over His creation for one fraction of a second since the beginning of time. He hasn’t lost one measure of His power or might. He’s just as omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and all loving today as He was at the dawn of man.
Believe it. Receive it.