Think On These Things …
I’ve been thinking. If you are part of a preparedness community, or follow websites like this, I’m sure you are seeing all kinds of news lately about the Coronavirus. We know this started in China, and this is a viral bug that has never been seen before. China is known for having a very closed government, and to think that we are getting the truth from their officials on a good day is often in question. There are several things that are unknown, and I realize that is unsettling to many. Pandemic. It’s a thing we here in the USA have not seen in our lifetimes.
But, how do we respond to this? I’ve seen discussion about face masks, gloves, and chemical suits. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I know folks who are not going to places where there is any kind of a crowd, and no one I know is choosing to fly right now. There are also a few folks who are choosing to already “bug in”. I don’t fault any of these people, as each person and household has their decision points, and hopefully well laid plans for all kinds of situations we may face.
What about our attitudes, and thinking in all this? Do we become fearful? Are you feeling anxious? How is that affecting you and others in your circle of influence? What does the Bible say about times of uncertainty? What does it say about fear? Here are a few scriptures I’ve found.
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Philippians 4:6-8 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
So, we see all of this scary stuff around us. I agree the world can be a scary place. But a question to think on - who do you belong to? If you belong to God, you know He’s got this, and He has our back. And, our front. And all around us. He’s in us, and He sees and knows all things.
Psalm 139:5-6 “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
We know the news of the day. It’s at our fingertips. Is the Bible also in your hand? Are you spending time there? That is definitely a place where you will find what is true, just, pure, and lovely. Meditate, which means to think or dwell, on these things. Here’s a suggestion for getting through these times. If you aren’t already reading the Bible, spend some time in the Psalms each day. They are a great source of comfort and encouragement. I would also suggest that you read a chapter or two from the New Testament each day. This practice will become habit, and hopefully get deep into your heart and mind. As a result you should begin to dwell more and more on the peace of God. Which, ultimately, will keep us from living in fear.
I’ll leave you with this (from the hymn, ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’, lyrics by Civilla D. Martin).
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear.
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; T
hough by the path He leadeth, but one step I see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Be Blessed and Encouraged,
Mountain Rose
Thank you Mountain Rose for your uplifting words and positive encouragement.
Blessings,
Bravo Echo Out
THANK YOU for these wonderfully inspiring and grounding messages!