There is a lot of fear being generated at the moment with the talk of a pandemic – as in a world wide flu. The media has gone into overdrive spreading the news and stores are running low on everyday goods because people are bulk buying for fear they won’t be able to buy essentials. In our city we are now even having issues buying toilet paper!
The problem however is that whenever too many people begin talking about a topic and espousing what they think they know, have heard and even believe to be true, is that you are going to have some fear mongering and issues arise. Combine that with people’s fears and insecurities and you have a recipe for mass hysteria and often hyped up information.
Which is why I’m choosing to not look at the news sites, read the front page of our exaggerated newspaper reports or engage in conversation or even listen to fear filled talk. My time I’ve concluded is far better spent thinking positively, getting on with my life, eating healthily, exercising, getting out in the fresh air and making sure my immune system is being boosted by wise choices and a calm and peaceful heart and mind which is focused on God’s promises. Otherwise I know how easy it would be to get caught up in the vicious cycle of being stressed worried and weighed down by concerns and the latest bad news report. This then dictates my thought life, the words I speak, my expectations and beliefs, and subsequently affects my immune system functioning at it’s best and protecting me from disease, anxiety and ill health.
So instead of listening to what everyone else is saying, I am instead focusing my attention on what God says and the promises in his word. Plus I am using the authority I have been given in Jesus. That, “no weapon formed against me will prosper”, and that “even if a thousand fall at my right hand and ten thousand at my left no disaster will come near my dwelling place.” (Isaiah 54:17; Psalm 91) That Jesus is my healer, my provider and the one who watches over me and every thing in heaven and earth must bow it’s knee to Him. That includes bugs, viruses and diseases. (Philippians 2:10)
Today don’t waste your day being stressed about the what if’s and the news reports of disaster, disease and pestilence. Focus instead on the day ahead of you, on what God says in His Word, living healthily, eating well, enjoying your life, using common sense and good hygiene and trusting God to take care of the rest.
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” (Psalm 91:1-7)
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Philippians 2:10)
“Surely he (Jesus) took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 54:3-4)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 54:10)
Prayer: Lord thank you that you keep me safe and watch over my life. Please help me to remain focused on my purpose and to not allow any fear mongering or work of evil to distract me or to cause me to start to live in fear. Thank you that I can rest in the shelter of your protection today. In Jesus name Amen.