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A man returns from an overseas trip feeling very ill. He goes to see his doctor and is immediately rushed to the hospital to undergo a barrage of tests.
The man wakes up after the tests in a private room at the hospital. The phone by his bed rings.
“Hello. This is you doctor. We have received the results from your tests. We’ve found you have an extremely contagious virus.”
“Oh, no” cried the man. “What are you going to do?”
“Well,” said the doctor, “we’re going to put you on a diet of pizzas, pancakes, and pita bread.”
“And that will cure me?” asked the man.
The doctor replied, “Well, no, but it’s the only food we can slide under the door.”
This is certainly not the type of medical diagnosis that any of us would hope to hear from our doctor! Yet, in light of our world’s most recent events regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), such diagnoses have frightfully come to be expected by some. What began as a relatively unknown strand of infectious disease in China about three months ago, has now spread to a worldwide threat. New cases are being reported daily in countries around the globe. In our own country, to date there have been a total of 5,686 cases of the disease (as of the writing of this article). While the spread of the disease is still relatively minor in our nation and on the global scale (only 17 out of every 1 million in the U.S. and 24 out of every 1 million worldwide have contracted the virus), misinformation regarding this pandemic has in many ways led to greater dangers than the disease itself.
Of course, these fears (even when exaggerated) have led to other significant crises. This past week the stock market suffered its greatest single-day loss in more than a decade. Businesses and economies which rely heavily upon the travel industry are expecting great financial distress in the foreseeable future. Many have cancelled prearranged trips to various locations for fear of the spreading disease. Large gatherings such as sporting events and concerts have been postponed. Even some ministries and churches have rearranged their plans or cancelled events altogether. I have even received communication from reliable resources this week as to how the local church should prepare for the disease should the matter become more prevalent.
In the midst of all these fearful reports, how should God’s people respond? Is God still sovereign over the world and over our lives when the threat of disease, financial distress, or other such fears prevail? Can we live in peace, even when so much turmoil surrounds us? Approximately 3,000 years ago, the psalmist would pen a prayer and song which expressed his resolve to rest securely even amidst the instability that surrounded him:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3)
Following these words, the psalmist wrote the word “Selah”, a Hebrew term indicating a pause. In other words, we should reflect deeply upon the truth of God’s Word, even in those moments when we are in great distress. God is sovereign over our times. His throne is unshaken by the threat of disease, financial upending, or any other overwhelming peril. He cares deeply and tenderly for His people. He has given His Son to save us from sin, so how will He not also provide for us in the day of disaster (Romans 8:32)?!
Likewise, God’s Word also guides us in how we must respond to a watching world when fears are looming. Four principles give guidance in times like these.
1. We should prepare.
God has given us good sense when medical or financial fears abound. The best advice is to wash your hands often, cover with your elbow when you cough or sneeze, get medical treatment if you are not well, and stay home if you are contagious. We should be wise with our financial decisions (my financial portfolio was relatively unaffected this past week since I don’t have one!). Seriously, we should stay aware and act accordingly. Yet, we might experience more of God’s peace if we watch the news less and read His Word more.
2. We should pray.
As countless lives are affected by sickness or distress, we should pray for their healing. We should ask God to protect our families, community, and nation from these disasters. We should pray that God will use these menaces to bring people to the gospel.
3. We should provide.
This is not the time to hold on to what we have. Instead, we should sacrificially give to God’s work through the church. Every week, our offerings are used to meet the needs of the suffering from all kinds of disasters. May the watching world know the peace of Christ by our generosity.
4. We should proclaim.
Has there ever been a better time to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ?! As people are fearful about any number of matters, we can tell them of a Savior who loves them and will save them from their sin if they will but repent and believe.
As the psalmist would remind us in his prayer/song, “The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. [Therefore,] Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted in the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:7, 10).
Resting Secure,
Jason