by Kay-Chong Yeo
We are for sure living in uncertain and unusual times. The Bible does talk about it. As the people of God, it is time to learn to flex our spiritual muscles and respond in accordance to what the Word of God says. We have to find our answers and confidence in the Lord.
Here are some things we can take note of:
Take Necessary Precautionary Measures
We definitely need to take the necessary precautionary measures as advised by the relevant authorities. We must act and respond according to the situation. However, we need to be rational, objective and not let fear, panic or irrationality dictate how we make decisions. Again, we should and must take the necessary precautions according to what is being advised.
Exercise Spiritual Discernment
We should receive and watch with spiritual discernment any piece of information or video clip that is being passed around. We are living in a social media age and all kinds of information are available.
As we watch and read these resources, we must gather and verify the facts because there is a lot of information going around that gives suggestions of all kinds that may not help. They may also cause unnecessary panic, fear and extreme practices. At the end of the day, we have to rely on official statements and advice given by the government.
The key is to not become overly suspicious, paranoid, distrustful, and end up doing a lot of irrational things.
Put Our Confidence in the Lord
At the end of the day, our confidence is in the Lord. This is where we can do a few things:
- Pray — Every day before we leave our homes, ask God for His protection and covering. Even as we abide with the regulations of safe distancing, mask-wearing etc., ultimately, our trust is in God. Let’s pray for protection for ourselves and for our loved ones. Also, pray for the peace of God to be with us in this time. (Phil. 4:6–7)
- Strengthen ourselves in the Lord — In times of distress, we need to find strength in the Lord. In 1 Sam. 30, David was in distress in Ziklag. However, he strengthened himself in the Lord. This is the time where we need to learn to strengthen ourselves in the Lord so that irrationality, fear or panic does not come in.
- Learn to hear the voice of God — It is the time for us to learn to hear the voice the God. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide us and direct us. May our spirit be so sensitive that we can hear Him say, “Go this way,” or “You shouldn’t go there,” or “You should / shouldn’t do this”. This is absolutely vital. Yes, we do need to make decisions based on facts and what we know, but ultimately, these can only help us so much. Our answer is in the leadership of God.
- Walk with a community — If we are facing worry, fear, panic or paranoia, be honest and ask people to pray for us and with us instead of reacting irrationally. That is why we need to walk with a community of believers who spur one another on in the Lord (Heb. 10:24–25).
Arise to Make a Difference
As God’s people, we MUST NOT primarily think of ourselves or begin to operate on self-preservation mode. We are firstly the people of God. It is in moments like this that we need to arise to make a difference. It is in moments like this that we need leaders who provide stability, confidence and direction.
Yes, it is natural that we are fearful, worried, and so on. However, this is the time for us to learn to overcome because things are not going to get easier but we can grow stronger in the Lord!
The LORD is with us. He loves and cares for us. He watches over us. Let us cast our cares and fears on Him, and hold on to Him and His Word (to passages such as Ps. 121, Isa. 43, etc.) in such a time as this.
Look TO the Lord. Look OUT for another. Look OUTWARD for the needs of others.
(Photo credit: Boba Jovanovic on Unsplash)
