Live By Faith Not By Fear

“Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.” – Psalm 112:6-8

The Coronavirus has the world on edge. The outbreak is now a global pandemic. The number of reported cases keeps climbing and with it, the nation’s collective uncertainty.  Coast to coast, large public gatherings and major events have been canceled. Employees have been told to work from home, universities have moved all classes online and schools have closed. The stock market has seen unprecedented crashes. And store shelves are being emptied. These are fearful times. 

When fearful, anxious times hit, we usually do not immediately default to resting on the promises and goodness of God. No, typically our response – our default response – is to panic or at least fret a great deal before we have even thought about finding peace in the truths of God. But instead of listening to our fears, doubts, and worries shout at us, we can begin to experience a real change of perspective if we take the time to remember the promises of God from scripture. There is good news in scripture that will help change the way we respond to even the most seemingly insurmountable difficulties.

Look at Romans 8: 38-39:”And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Life can be pretty grim. We Christians will face a host of troubles in the world. And then along comes the Coronavirus. Paul recognizes this reality. But in the midst of all this, he has a word that will reassure us: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?“ Neither fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow; not death, nor life, nor angels, demons are able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God wants us to know today that His love for us is inseparable. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus is proof of that. Take heart and take hold of that promise during the fear and anxiety surrounding the Coronavirus and other fearful times in life. Remember that God is holding on to you, and He will never let go.

Discussion Questions:

1. This is a time of anxiety and fear: What can we do this week to give those fears to God? 
2. Knowing God and His Word allows us to face our fears with faith. Why? How can you do this in practical ways?