The Coronavirus has dominated the news, interrupted our lives and dented some pocketbooks. It has caused fear, sickness and sadly, death in some cases. Unfortunately, these are inescapable realities at the moment.
However, even with all of these negatives, doom and gloom don’t have to be what dominate our minds and our hearts. We’re better than that and we have real lives to live.
So, I say we focus on the peace of God instead of the fear of the world. Here are six verses on God’s peace and what they teach us.
Psalm 46:10-11 (NIV)
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
The Coronavirus is not God. This verse teaches us to be still and let God be God. His plan and his purpose will prevail throughout the whole earth. He will be exalted and he will build his church… starting with you.
John 14:27 NIV)
(Jesus) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Peace is a gift from God. It doesn’t come from the store, our circumstances or the government. True peace can only come from Jesus. Take a moment and ask him for some.
John 16:33 New International Version (NIV)
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
God never promised us a perfect problem-free life. But he did promise us victory in life through him. Problems in life will persist but the peace that comes in Jesus is eternal.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
It’s easy to let fear rule your thoughts and heart. But that’s not what God has for you. Letting Jesus rule in your heart promotes peace. It starts by being thankful for what you have. Take a moment and thank him right now.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Prayer is the road peace travels on. If we’re not praying about our problems it means we’re either thinking about them too much or we’re just talking to other people. I’m all for getting advice but the real conversation needs to happen with God.
When we seek him in prayer it points our hearts and minds to him and he fills us with a peace that passes understanding. Who doesn’t want that?
Isaiah 43:1-3 (NIV)
But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob,he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
God knows your name and your difficulty. It means that every time you go through a struggle he’s calling out to you and reminding you that he’s always there. That’s why he’s called our Redeemer and Savior. He rescues us through the trial.
