Fear. Anxiety. Worry. 

They run rampant through our culture and our lives during normal circumstances, but since the word “pandemic” became part of our daily vocabulary, our collective fear seems to be racing full speed ahead toward panic. 

Every day, I feel bombarded by input that strikes my heart with icy cold fear. As the death toll from this virus rises, how long can it be true that no one I love has fallen victim to it? As grocery store shelves empty, how long will I be able to keep balanced, nourishing meals on our table? At times, our very survival feels threatened and human beings are wired to respond to these perceived threats with either fight or flight. Both responses involve fear. Adrenaline courses through us, our hearts beat faster, and all our systems are ready to do whatever is necessary to survive.

The same God who designed our bodies with these fear responses also has a lot to say about how we manage them. Depending on which Bible translation you prefer, you might come up with different totals of how many times the words fear, afraid, or worry appear in both the Old and New Testaments, but it will be in the hundreds. The actual number isn’t important. The fact that it’s in there a lot tells us a few things:

• We are not the first people to be afraid. (This might sound obvious, but I find it helpful to remember.)
• God sees our fear and does not ignore it.
• God has instructions and help for us in the midst of our fear.

Since all of this started, I’ve felt God nudging me to look at these verses more closely, so I can learn from them and let His Spirit speak to me in the midst of a scary time. And now I feel a similar nudging to share these reflections with others who might also benefit from these words.

In the midst of uncertain times, God is still Sovereign and none of this is a threat to Him. May this be a time of refining for the Church. I can’t wait to see the fruit He brings out of it!