7 529 – as of 18 March 2020 is the feared statistic; a number that teaths is thrown around, everywhere where conversation is held. In my country, a state of emergency has been declared and all this has very personal and public implications and in a time such as today, where the smell of fear saturates every conversation and the news is like fuel to the flame, it is easy to get drawn away by what seems like an overwhelming river.
But two words rise up on the inside of me; my response to the situation and my own encouragement to you today and forever not: Fear Not. Fear is not your friend, it is a soul sucking, joy depriving evil that makes you make unwise, panicky decisions that only make a bad situation worse. It blinds you; binding you in a reactionary mode and making you fail to see the opportunity that lies in each and every moment; the chance to reach out, to be kind, to care, to encourage and to love. Fear is not your friend, therefore, fear not.
God is alive, not surprised and not at all panicked; therefore fear not. Hebrews 13:8 says Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever-He is loving, all powerful, has all authority and has your best interests at heart-and believe me, they are not to die of Covid19. He says in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future” and in another place that the thoughts He thinks towards us are like sand on the seashore. Therefore again I say, fear not. Acts 10:38 says He went about healing all, who were oppressed of the devil; and He still does that today. Psalm 97 begins with a wonderful reminder; that through the darkness; through those moments when it seems there is no hope the Lord reigns. It goes something like this: “The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. Clouds and thick darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and consumes his foes on every side.”
And as if that was not enough, there are those exceedingly precious words in Psalm 91. And before you dismiss me as an impractical and unrealistic fanatic, let me remind you that everything that was formed was created at a WORD; and that in your tongue lies the power of Life and Death. Therefore, words, the Word of God, is infinitely more powerful and effective than Corona Virus could ever dream to be. In light of this, let the Word of God therefore reside in your heart and on your lips, let it dictate the attitude of your heart towards what is happening and let no virus or rumour of virus cause you to become afraid. Now back to that Psalms; it reads in the King James Version (Brackets and Emphasis mine)
"1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare (Corona) of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence (Corona). 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night (Corona); nor for the arrow (Corona) that flieth by day; 6 Nor for the pestilence(Corona) that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction (Corona) that wasteth at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; 10 There shall no evil(Corona) befall thee, neither shall any plague(Corona) come nigh thy dwelling. 11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. 13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. 14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble(Corona); I will deliver him, and honour him. 6 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."
Therefore again, child of God, hear me say this to you: FEAR NOT. A few months from now, the dust will have settled, COVID19 will be a story and you will bear the testimony of having overcome. Your God, Your all Knowing, all Powerful and fiercely loving Father is with you.
Selah
Such encouraging truths of the word of God