Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
As recent events have shown, we can never avoid strife in the world around us. And no one is exempt. The coronavirus pandemic is producing all different levels of emotional stress and anxiety. Aside from the understandable health concerns, many are feeling the financial effects of the virus. Schools have shut down leaving working parents in a quandary. All of these things can start adding up.
Although there is currently no antidote to the coronavirus, there is One that combats fear, anxiety and depression.
When we fix our thoughts on God; when our minds are stayed upon Him, we can know perfect peace even in turmoil. As we focus our mind on God and his Word, we become steady & stable. Supported by God's unchanging love and mighty power, we are not shaken by the surrounding chaos -- see Philippians 4:7.
If you want to experience true, lasting peace? Keep your thoughts on God and place your trust in him.
Conversely, if you focus only on yourself, your circumstances, your sickness, your trials… one thing is guaranteed... You will be robbed of the peace that the Lord wants you to have through Him.
Although it's important to stay informed, scale back on some of the noise. Turn off the TV, put down your smartphone, get off Facebook, “Take a break!” We don't need a non-stop barrage of coronavirus news. This can fuel anxiety.
To experience God’s peace, spend time with Him through the reading of His word, the Bible and through prayer. He’s described in the Bible as the Eternal Father & The Prince of Peace! (Isaiah 9:6) Spend time with the Prince of Peace!! It’s one of the ways we keep our minds “stayed on Him”.
Consider these beautiful words of encouragement from our Lord. Although, originally, Jesus was addressing the apostles, His words still ring true today!
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Our peace is in Jesus. Our trouble is in the world. But the trouble of the world cannot destroy our peace, because Jesus has gained victory over the world-that is, over the rule and power of Satan and even over death.
He also tells us, “I have overcome the world.” What an amazing statement! Therefore, when trouble comes upon us, let us take heart. Through the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we too can gain victory over fear, doubt and anxiety.
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
Rey Garcia,
Associate Pastor Men's Ministry and Pastoral Care