The Panic Around Us
With the spread of COVID-19, the news and social media have gone into overdrive. You can’t log on to anything without news of new positive results, updates on what we need to do and schools and businesses shutting down. What I find absolutely baffling is the fear leading to fights over, of all things, toilet paper. Being cautious and prepared is one thing, but no household of an average size needs ten jumbo-sized packs of toilet paper. I can sympathize, things seem to change daily as they learn more about the virus. However, we were not given a spirit of fear, but power.
7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
The Faith of a Little Girl
I’m including a link to a video I found on Fox News. In it, a young girl’s family was in a panic. The children were afraid and the parents were stressed. However, she’d just learned this Bible verse and was able to calm her family’s nerves.
Girl Uses a Bible Verse to Calm Brother
The spirit of the Lord is with this little girl and with her family. If you trust in the promises of God, there is no need to fear. Yes, go forth with caution, but do not succumb to the madness. There are people dying BUT, there are thousands that are surviving. Great advice exists to keep you and your family safe.
Social Media
I would suggest limiting social media. Unfortunately, you may have to limit how much news you’re watching or reading as some outlets are fanning the flames. Take time for yourself to identify your next steps and use this time with your family.
I understand how some things may be distressing and I almost fell victim myself. With the possibility of not being able to work looming over my head, I tossed and turned for a good couple of hours. Then, God spoke by brining this verse to me.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Matthew 6:30-32
Look for the Helpers
After this, I started to look for all the good that people are doing. Neighbors checking on neighbors and bringing supplies. Companies donating services and goods. In the midst of the fights and the negativity, look for the people doing good things. As a matter of fact, Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood said his mother responded to negative news by saying “Look for the helpers”. What a great idea!
So, banish that spirit of fear by praying. Choose to look for the people doing good. Choose to be one of those people. Be cautious, but not fearful. We will get through this.
I’m praying for you!