This title is taken from Psalm 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change.

Our earth has certainly changed with the arrival of the Coronavirus. I felt compelled to write this post to encourage you because the virus is not only infecting people by making them sick physically, it’s infecting us at an emotional and spiritual level. (You can read or watch the video.)

Reacting to the Coronavirus

I have to admit that my first reaction to something traumatic that happens is denial. Have you ever been in a building when the fire alarm goes off? I’ve had it happen several times staying in a hotel. My first reaction isn’t – oh my gosh! It’s a fire. It’s usually – oh, they must be having a fire drill. There can’t be a real fire.

That’s how I felt about the Coronavirus. Oh, it’s in China. Oh, it’s not that bad.

Let the Fear Begin

How can can you not be afraid when the 24 hour news is pushing out the latest deaths, number of people infected, stock markets plunging, the postponement or cancelling of iconic events and venues and even our day-to-day activities, work, school, church, meetings, sporting events, travel and more?

I’ve never experienced something like this happening on a global level in my lifetime. I’m reminded of the Don Henley song, In a New York Minute with the lyrics, in a New York Minute everything can change. It certainly has.

God is Our Refuge and Strength

More than ever during times of uncertainty like these, we need and have the certainty of God’s peace and strength to carry us through. That’s when Psalm 46:1 popped into my head during my quiet time the other morning.

The Importance of Spiritual Practices

I have long been an advocate for the spiritual practices of prayer, meditation, studying God’s Word, and spending quiet time to be in God’s presence. Why? It’s not only to deepen your relationship with God, but it’s to ground you in God’s love, peace, and promises so that when something rocks your world, you respond with peace and strength instead of reacting with fear, anxiety, and panic.

These spiritual exercises are building spiritual muscles that give you strength when the tough times happen… and they will happen.

The Bright Side About the Coronavirus

I see a bright side to this crisis. The entire world is dealing with this. We can no longer use words of division like us and them. We can no longer look at conflict as here or over there. This Coronavirus is affecting ALL of us, the human race, God’s family. May we remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:26, “If one member suffers, all suffer together.”

It’s also an opportunity to knock us out of life’s busyness, when we are so caught up in the day to day to address those “meaning to’s.” Meaning to contact a friend, beginning that book you’ve always wanted to write, or pursuing anything that’s been on your heart and you haven’t pursued it.

Letting Go of Fear

We can let fear rob us of peace and rob us from pursuing those meaning to dreams. That’s why I wanted to share with you the word Fear from my book God Notes – Daily Doses of Divine Encouragement.

FEAR

Fear is an instinct that I gave to you. Fear is essential to help you avoid danger.

But, fear, if nurtured, like anything that you give attention to will grow. Like a garden overcome with weeds, fear can fill your mind, heart, and spirit choking the life out of you.

Sadly, My children fear Me and run away from Me instead of running to Me.

That’s why, when I sent My angel messengers, they always announced their presence with these words: fear not.

I gave you an instinct for fear, but not a spirit of fear.

I love you with a divine, unconditional love. It is perfect. Where there is perfect love, there can be no fear.

So, fear not.

Stay Encouraged

That brings to mind 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

I’ll leave you with this final quote from Paul in Philippians 4:7, “may the peace of God guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

I’ll be posting more encouragement on my Facebook Page. I hope you will Like and Follow me there.

May you, your family and loved ones stay healthy and safe.

If this has encouraged you, please share so that others can be encouraged too. And share your thoughts with me in the comments below.

Stay encouraged!