God is our refuge and strength,
Psalm 46:1-3
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Today’s headline news concerns COVID-19, a coronavirus that looks to become a pandemic. Many seem to be in a panic, buying up what they consider to be essential supplies and isolating themselves. The governor of my state is banning many large gatherings to help prevent the spread of this virus and has issued a stay at home order.
But COVID-19 is not the only fear that is in the headlines. Disaster awaits if Trump is re-elected. Democracy is lost in the US if Sanders is elected. Islamic terrorists are a major threat to world peace and our way of life. Illegal immigrants are flooding across our borders and are a threat to our national security and economy. And on and on.
Responding To Fear
Without question the threats to peace and security are great. And we are right to be concerned. But as Christians, how should we respond? We could join our neighbors in wringing our hands and stock piling toilet paper. Or we could follow the advice the psalmist gives us here.
God is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in trouble. God is bigger than any of the troubles we may face in this life. We can go to him for help and be assured that he will keep safe what is really important. Circumstances in this life will not always be rosy, and may cause us great physical harm or even death. But he will bring us through it all and to himself.
Therefore, do not fear. Do not fear COVID-19, or our next president, or Islamic terrorists, or illegal aliens, or anything else you see on the news. Trust instead in God.
