John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The reaction I keep hearing from people during this Coronavirus pandemic is that they are afraid, some even terrified. Many are afraid of death, of contracting the coronavirus, of losing someone they love, of financial disaster, of losing value in their retirement fund, of being alone, of uncertainty, and of unknowingly contracting the virus then spreading it to someone else, among other things. What are some answers in Scripture to our fears? Let’s talk about three areas of fear.
As believers we do not need to fear death because Christ’s death and resurrection provided the way for us to step over that line. John 5:24 reads, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” The worst thing which can happen to us is death, which Jesus has already conquered. This Scripture, John 14:27, was given to the disciples by Jesus on the night that He was to face his own death by crucifixion. When Jesus rose from the dead, He brought life out of death. We who are believers have already crossed over into life eternal.
We don’t need to fear financial ruin because Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” God promises to provide us with what we need (but not always what we want). If he takes care of the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, he will take care of us. Jesus said in Luke 12:15, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Jesus instructs us that our happiness in life does not depend on the size of our bank account or our 401K, but rather on our dependence on Him. He is our security.
We don’t need to fear uncertainty because God says that he will be with us, even in times of difficulty and disaster. God spoke to the nation of Israel these words which also comfort us as believers: Isaiah 43:1-3 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” God will be with us when we pass through the rivers, walk through the fire, and are enduring a total shutdown due to the Coronavirus. We don’t know what our future holds, but we know the One who holds our future. We are not alone. Christ brings us peace in the midst of difficulty. Kari Jobe put it well in her song “I Am Not Alone”.
When I walk through deep waters
I know that You will be with me
When I’m standing in the fire
I will not be overcome
Through the valley of the shadow
I will not fear
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
In the midst of deep sorrow
I see Your light is breaking through
The dark of night will not overtake me
I am pressing into You
Lord, You fight my every battle
Oh, and I will not fear
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
I am not alone
I am not alone
You will go before me
You will never leave me
You amaze me
Redeem me
You call me as Your own
You amaze me
Redeem me
You call me as Your own
You’re my strength
You’re my defender…