It is safe to say that several times this week we have been bombarded with stories of growing fear over the Covid-19 flu. We have been witnessing an odd display of unnecessary purchases of toilet paper, canned goods, and soap, we have heard countless theories of triggered the problem, as well as equally alarming counter retorts for every theory put forward from media. What caused this? How can we stop this? What if…what if…what if…
With theories running high and opinions galore being spread by anyone from doctors, to your average Joe down the road, I want to take a minute and remind us of the battle we are really facing (and it isn’t one of a virus).
We are in a battle zone, and one that we have been in since the first sin began to tarnish the face of the earth. Remember these verses?
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph 6:10-12)
Our battle is not against the virus, nor the theories circling it, nor are we to scramble for toilet paper with the masses. The battle is for our minds and souls, and I fear we have lost sight of this and been sucked into the vortex of fear (at the very least our own curiosity has drawn us into the storm). Paul reminds us of a truth we could all use a little more of right now, myself included:
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Phil 4:8-9)
Our minds are being bombarded daily with hype, and fear, and stress, and worry over the unknown. Isn’t that exactly where our enemy wants for us? His goal is to cause us to lose sight over what is good and lovely, that being our Sovereign, most powerful, most capable God. This is the same God who gives peace in the storm. When we meditate on God’s goodness, holiness, and power our view shifts away from the media paranoia and we regain the peace of God. Armed with the peace which passes all understanding we can withstand this storm with grace and love intact. We can extend that peace, grace, and love to those around us who need help, prayers, and a calm voice among the frenzy. God's peace walked out through his children will be a healing balm to the nervous souls of those scattered around us.
We need to be extra cautious during this season to not wander to ponder all that is not life-giving, for where our thoughts are, so is our heart, and so is our attention. Let’s take a deep breath and give our attention back to our most holy and most capable King of Kings, the one we get to call our Abba!
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease.
When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him?
Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
Psalm 8
Love,
