Coronavirus Anxiety: There is Hope Amidst the Panic

I had an entirely different post planned for today, but this afternoon I stopped by my local grocery store to pick up a few essentials and what I saw left this burden on my heart to sit down and write to you.

(This post is written specifically for my Christian friends, but even if you aren’t a Christian I hope you find some comfort in it).

I saw panic over the coronavirus.

I could see it in every eye I passed. Panic, anxiety, concern…

My heart hurt for every single person in that grocery store. But I’ll bet if any of those people told you what they saw when they looked at me, they would have described something similar.

Because I feel it too. The concern. The anxiousness over something that seems so BIG… so beyond our control.

What if I run out of toilet paper (this may actually happen to us)? What if something happens to my kids and I can’t get them the medical care they need? What if we have to quarantine?

There are so many what if’s, and the scary part is that a lot of those what if’s may come to fruition.

BUT.

And this is a big but.

I was reminded today, when I saw my own worry reflected back at me, that we have a GOD WHO IS BIGGER THAN ALL OF THIS.

He is the same God that he was two days ago, two months ago, two years ago. He has not changed, and…

His promises haven’t changed either.

That’s right. Because I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, ‘Don’t panic. I’m right here to help you.

Isaiah 41:13 MSG

God is here. He has a firm grip on us. He’s not letting go…

let that sink in. Seriously. Close your eyes and breathe in those words. Let them absorb and flow through every muscle of your body. You are held. You are taken care of.

Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.

Isaiah 41:10 MSG

Now don’t mistake me, I’m NOT saying don’t be prepared. I’m not saying don’t be smart. Know the facts, keep your family and others safe, don’t knowingly put others and yourself in harms way because “God will protect you.”

BUT we can rest in the knowledge that no matter the outcome (NO MATTER THE OUTCOME), God is there. He’s holding us. He is our rock.

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

John 16:33 MSG

Do not be surprised, friends, that we are experiencing hardship in this world right now. Jesus promised that we would… but He ALSO promised that through those hardships we can be unshakable. We can be assured. We can be deeply at peace.

Our hope, our peace, our assurance does not depend on what’s happening around us.

But most importantly, our faith enables us to move past our own fears and anxieties so that we can be a light to those in our communities.

Fear turns us inward, but hope turns us outward.

How are we as Christians going to leave our mark in history during this pandemic?

We have a chance to show the world that we believe what the Bible says:

It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
    be compassionate and loyal in your love.

Micah 6:8 MSG

What does it say to the world when our only response is to stockpile toilet paper?

Our first response should be…

What can I do? How can I be the hands and feet of Jesus in this situation?

So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.

John 13:15-17 (MSG)

To finish, I just want to say that your anxiety and worry is valid. Don’t feel ashamed if you have fear, if you are nervous or scared. This is scary, and we will all feel some level of fear in the days to come.

BUT remember who God is. Put your trust in Him. He will be with you. He will hold you steady.

Take heart my friends.

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.

Matthew 6:9-13

Until next time,
Karin

More verses on trusting in God can be found here

For more faith posts see here