Our world is in a crisis right now. If you turn on the news, there is only one thing they are talking about right now, and that is the spread of the coronavirus. Thousands have been infected; places of business, education, and worship have been shut down; and stay at home orders have been given. Unlike past pandemics, this has greatly affected our lives. The American economy is in great danger. But there’s a virus that is spreading much worse than COVID-19, and that is the virus of fear. 

 

The media is a big part of stoking fear into people. Several weeks ago the fear and panic began. You couldn’t find toilet paper or any number of food supplies at the stores, and this is because people began hoarding these items out of fear. The reason why fear is spreading worse than COVID-19 is because many people who do not have the virus are fearful—fearful of getting the virus, fearful of losing their job, fearful of seeing the world destroyed. This fear has infected millions of people all around the world. 

 

But for the Christian, there is no reason to fear. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be cautious. By all means, wash your hands and keep your distance from people, but don’t live in a state of fear. The Bible clearly tells us, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). The fear that is spreading is not from God, it’s from the devil. God’s people should have a different spirit, one of power, love, and of a sound mind. The “sound mind” part would be sensible thinking, and that is especially missing in our world today. 

 

Why should we as Christians not be afraid? The answer is simple: because God is still in control. God has a purpose and plan for this virus, and I don’t doubt that it’s to wake us up, and to get everyone’s attention. Life is so fragile, and people need the Lord. God is still on His throne, and He wants to be glorified during this time. I think many people are probably praying harder than they’ve ever prayed before during this time. A worldwide crisis (which doesn’t come along too often) is just what God will use to wake up His people and to get the attention of the heathen. 

 

Here are some wonderful verses to consider during this fearful time: 

 

Psalm 27:1—“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” 

 

John 16:33—“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 

 

Proverbs 1:33—“But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” 

 

Proverbs 18:10—“The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” 

 

Psalm 56:3—“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” 

 

Psalm 42:5—“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” 

 

How do we combat this virus of fear? We can fight it with two vital weapons: faith and love. The world is unable to use these weapons because they do not have God, but for us, we can put our trust in God and we can have the love of God. These are the greatest ways to fend off the virus of fear. 

 

First, we need faith. You cannot be filled with faith and fear at the same time. Faith will cast out fear, but fear will cast out faith. In Mark 4, the disciples and Jesus get in a boat to head to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. A raging storm comes and the disciples are afraid that they will die. They wake up Jesus, who instantly rebukes the wind and waves. Then He says to the disciples, “Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The disciples were filled with fear, which means that they had no faith at all. 

 

Don’t allow this fearful pandemic to fill you with fear. This is the time to put your trust in God and believe that He will meet your needs, protect you, and bless you during such terrible circumstances. It is in the worst of circumstances that we need to trust God the most. There is no reason to fear when God is with you on your boat. 

 

Second, we need love, that is, the love of God. I John 4:18 tells us, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” Just as a child’s love for his father causes him to place his confidence in him, so our love for God should cause us to rest in His goodness. 

 

Perhaps you love God, but it’s not “perfect love.” It’s a selfish love that is concerned for your own well-being and with that which you can get from God. This kind of love can produce fear. You need a simple, child-like love for your heavenly Father. He wants only what is best for you. Love Him for who He is, and not to get things from Him. This kind of love will cast out fear. 

 

The coronavirus pandemic is going to continue for at least a few more weeks, but let me encourage you to use this time to draw closer to the Lord. Don’t panic and don’t fear. Put your faith in God and love Him more than ever before. Remember that God is always in control, and meditate on the above verses when you start to fear. God’s Word gives us assurance that we never need to have a spirit of fear.