The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought about much fear in the lives of many people. There is an increasing number of deaths being recorded daily. The Government is trying to contain the virus and reduce the spread but it seems nothing is working. We have been told not to panic but sincerely, it would be hard not to panic after hearing the news about the pandemic. We have been told to stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus. Although we are limited to things we can do, we still see it in a good way because we could spend more time with our family members. Now we have been hearing that even people who stayed at home are contracting the virus, it makes it scarier.
Jesus has promised peace in times like this. John 16:33 KJV “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Jesus has promised peace but how do we get the peace?
1. Decide you want peace.
According to the University of North Carolina Television, UNC-TV, an average adult makes about 35,000 decisions each day. This means that for action or steps we take, there is always a decision. We cannot do anything without a decision. If we want peace, we have to decide that we want peace. Having peace in this time of unrest, you have to decide in your heart that you want peace. You must decide that you want to stop giving fear a place in you. If you decide these things, your body and your mind will start to work accordingly. Your decision will prompt your action.
2. Move closer to the Lord.
If there is a time that everyone moves closer to the Lord, it should be now. There are no other things that one must do to have peace if not have Jesus and there is no true protection outside Jesus. The peace that Jesus promised is solely for those who move closer to Him. He said in Matthew 11:28 KJV “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The fear in us is the heavy load that we need to remove from us – Jesus said the only way to have the load off our heads and have peace is if we move closer to Him.
If we need safety, we will have to move closer to where there is safety and not run to the place where danger is. Jesus gives peace and then, He is the right person to be with.
3. Renew your mind.
How do you look at this pandemic? How are you interpreting it? Some people are saying it’s the end of the world. Are you also believing it is the end of the world? This belief will bring fear to you. Reprogram your mind, give it a new thought. The best thing is to change the way you look at the outbreak. What I’m saying is that don’t look at the fear, but look at the source of the peace – focus on it, set your mind on it. Hebrews 12:2 KJV.
The pandemic is a storm. One thing we should know about the storm is that it doesn’t last forever. There is always time for them to come by and they go. After the storm, there is always a clear sky. This period of unrest and fear will go. There have been worst things that have happened and God has been protecting us – is it now He will leave us alone?
4. Be calm, don’t panic.
Whatever news you hear about the pandemic, don’t allow it to get the best of you. Joshua was young when he started leading the Israelites, he was afraid – probably he was panicking because he felt he was too young but God told Him in Joshua 1:9 KJV “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” This is the same thing that God is telling right now – be calm, don’t be afraid. If you stay calm, peace will find you.
5. Do the right thing.
The virus is spreading and we have been told what to do to stop the spread. We were told to sit at home, use hand sanitizer, and wash the hands every time. These are the right things to do this time – it helps stop the spread and it makes you be at peace. If you don’t do the right thing, it will bring fear to you because you are not sure if you are safe or not. If you stay at home, you have peace, if you go outside and expose yourself, you will feel you might have contracted the virus and you are afraid. James 4:17 NASB “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
To have peace of mind in time like this, we need to follow the rules of safety. We must do what is right and stay calm until the storm is over. God never leaves His people to suffer. Let us hold unto Christ, the source of peace. Hebrews 10:23 NASB “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
