THE LAST THREE WEEKS IN MARCH changed the United States. As a nation, we’ve learned a new set of circumstantial terms: sheltering, social distancing, types of face masks–cloth, N-95; and many details about the Caronavirus–Covid-19. The whole world is hijacked by this virus that has changed everything, everywhere. I have to admit to feeling nervous about it at times and having had times of sleeplessness thinking about what could happen 1) to the nation at large 2) to my family 3) to the people on the front lines 4) to our finances and ability to support ourselves. Fear causes a whole set of reactions to  set off alarms. Anxiety sky rockets.

One thing is true, we’re all in this together.

Like you, I’m not liking this much.

I don’t like seeing other people as the ‘enemy.’

I don’t like having to curtail special events I was planning on.

I don’t like not hugging, and not having face to face conversations.

I don’t like not being able to visit my dad.

I don’t like the worries about getting supplies, and possible virus exposure.

I really don’t like the fear of either myself or my family members getting sick with the virus, or the possibility of virus-related deaths.

FEAR is a strange beast.

You either master FEAR or FEAR masters you.

I used to read a story about facing fear to the AWANA children at church and made a lesson out of it. First, I asked the children if they ever have been afraid in the dark, or in a storm, or a time when they got lost. . .and so forth. Then I shared about my daughter; one time when I couldn’t find her in a store and I was scared, how later I found her hiding in the center of a circular rack of hanging dresses. I’d ask, “Have you ever been lost?”  Of course, the children had lots of stories. I was careful to not overdo it by causing alarm or scaring the littlest ones. We’d talk about other scary things like parents’ fighting, and thunderstorms. There’s lots to be afraid of.

Then I’d read the story:  Be BRAVE, Anna!

QUOTE FROM BACK COVER

“Anna is frightened by so many things…

dark nights, loud thunder, big dogs, and doctor visits.

Anna finds out that when she is scared, all she has to say is,

‘The Lord is my shepherd, I will not be afraid.’ -Hebrews 13:6″

Anna is afraid. The night shadows scare her. Her daddy says to her, “when I’m afraid, I always say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid,'” “Now say it with me and you’ll see.” Anna says it with her daddy, and it calms her. She’s surprised. She didn’t know that sometimes adults get afraid.

The children and I would talk about the story and then we’d say the verse together a few times. I talked about Jesus; how he loves us just like in the story of the little lost sheep that the Shepherd searched for and found. He loves us that much.

I’d conclude with this question, “So, what can you say when you’re afraid?”

The children responded by saying, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.”

How can we master fear in uncertain times?

God cares about us. We can absorb the messages He gives to us in His Word. As I said last week, Psalm 91 is helpful. Psalm 23 and Matthew 11:28-30 are two scripture passages that anchor me in God and temper the fear. A few verses speak to anxiety and fear. “Be anxious for nothing” is apropos in these Caronavirus days. It’s helped me calm myself when I can tell I’m anxious. When my trust is in God, then I can trust Him to get me through it and I can quit fighting it and let it go. Sometimes I have to imagine myself casting it off.

Chapters that help.

1. Psalm 23
   
2. Psalm 91
   
3. Matthew 11:28-30

Verses that help.

1. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6.2
2. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:3
3. “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:6

Ways to apply texts.

1. Read the verses/chapter out loud
2. Pray the verse/chapter by inserting first person i.e. “I ask You, Father God, to help me be anxious for nothing, as I give everything, including my fear of …, to You by prayer and supplication. . .
3. Picture God ‘covering you with His feathers’ (Ps. 91) and trust Him to take care of you and yours.
4. Write one or more these verses, or a verse of choice on a note card. Repeat it often, every day, or when fear surfaces. Soon it becomes such a part of you that you can call it up at a moment’s notice, when you need it the most.

Fear teaches us to trust.

This terrible time is also a terribly good time as we pull together as a people.

People are doing community differently–but we’re doing it!

We’re doing virtual church, online meetings, sharing our talents and blessings.

Spiritual strengthening is happening as God ministers to lives with His comfort.

People are learning to appreciate what matters most.

We are trusting God with something we have no control over other than to practice preventative measures.

You can’t keep love out.

Yesterday my daughter and I went to the orchard where I used to farm to clip some lilacs that grow on the property. She brought her own vase. We practiced social distancing as we shared the blessing of cutting the fragrant blooms. I was blessed by seeing her and still interacting, though differently. As you can tell by the picture, the lilac blooms are on my entryway table. Their lovely fragrance fills my house.

Let me know if I can pray for you and your family.  We had some serious illness in my extended family. All are recovered now, praise the Lord. My niece is a nurse; I need not say more.

God’s best to all of you.

Norma