As I write, news outlets are reporting that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 (the disease resulting from an infection of the coronavirus unleashed on the world just a few weeks ago) has now broken the half a million barrier worldwide. Over twenty-four thousand people have died from this virus already, and most public health experts are expecting that number to grow exponentially. The economic impact of governments imposing social distancing limitations on businesses is sure to be one of the most significant financial events of this generation.
It is in times like this we find ourselves are ripe for worry and anxiety. Will I get the virus? Will my loved ones get the virus? What if my loved one who is elderly gets the virus? What happens if I lose my job and can’t pay my bills? What if the grocery store runs out of food, or hand sanitizer, or toilet paper? It’s as natural for us to worry during a pandemic as it is for a dog to bark.
But just because something is natural, doesn’t mean it’s right or healthy.
Jesus commands His followers to not be anxious (Matt. 6:25-34), which settles the morality of worrying. It’s wrong to disobey Jesus’ commands, and Jesus commands us not to worry. But God’s word does more than command us not to worry. It also gives us practical advice to help us fight against worry.
We could probably do an entire blog series on worry and anxiety, but for the purpose of this post, allow me to give you the following weaponry in your fight against worry:
Believe truth – At its most basic level, worry is a manifestation of a lack of faith. This is why in His most famous teaching on worry (Matt. 6:25-34 again), Jesus exhorted His followers to focus on what they know (how much God values your life, how unproductive worry is, consider the birds, consider the lilies, the Father knows all your needs, etc.).
DA Carson says that “the root of anxiety is unbelief”, and George Mueller once wrote that “the beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety”.
When you are tempted to worry, pull out your Bible and read passages of Scripture that will remind you of who God is and what He’s done for you, and then believe everything you read. Believe that He is sovereign, that He is good, that He loves you, and that He is working all things together for your good and His glory (Rom 8:28). Fight worry with faith. Fight unbelief with a heart, mind, and soul that is ready to believe everything in God’s Word. What you’re worrying about is only a potential truth, but God’s Word is eternal truth. Believe truth.
Pray – Read Philippians 4:6-7, and follow the logic: Be anxious for nothing. Pray about everything. And then enjoy the unexplainable peace of God that comes. Have you taken your worries about this pandemic and it’s effects on you to the Lord? Corrie Ten Boom said, “If a case is too small to be turned into a prayer it is too small to be made into a burden.” 1 Peter 5:7 says, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Pray, and ask the Lord to increase your faith and defeat those anxious thoughts.
Tell someone – While you’re in Philippians 4, notice the social/relational focus of the first 5 verses of that chapter which forms the context for “not being anxious” in verses 6 & 7. Counselor and author, Bob Kelleman notes, “Paul’s biblical counsel for victory in anxiety involves standing firm in community—with brothers and sisters in Christ, with dear spiritual friends.” When you share with others that you are struggling with worry and anxiety, not only will you discover that you are not alone, but you immediately bring their prayers and encouragement to bear in your fight against worry.
Do something productive – Worrying about what might happen accomplishes nothing. Someone once said, “Worry is like a rocking chair; it will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere.” Charles Spurgeon wrote, “Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but only empties today of its strength.”
Although worrying about what might happen as a result of this pandemic is not productive, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be prudent, diligent, and wise in how we prepare for potential outcomes. Prudence and wisdom means we will use proper hygiene and adhere to the recommended advice of public health experts. That’s not succumbing to anxiety, that’s just being smart. And being smart in a pandemic will help us fight against worry.
Much more could be said about fighting against worry, but these are some simple and practical tools we can all employ. May God increase your faith and mine, as we seek to trust Him more in the midst of these uncertain times.
Written by Ken Rucker